Common Types of Eyelid Bumps: Causes and What to Know
Medically reviewed by Archana Gupta, MD, board-certified ophthalmologist · Last reviewed September 2026
Eyelid bumps are very common. Most people will experience some form of eyelid bump in their lifetime. But don’t worry! They are usually nothing to be concerned about. But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t keep an eye on them. If you’re worried about an eyelid bump, schedule a consultation with our team at Advanced Eye Surgeons today!
What Causes Bumps on the Eyelids?
The cause of bumps on the eyelids can differ greatly depending on the type of bump you’re experiencing. They can be caused by an infection in an oil gland or eyelash hair follicles or due to stress or hormonal changes. They can also be caused by a blockage in the meibomian glands in the eyelid. Cholesterol problems, skin damage, and dead skin trapped under the skin can also cause certain bumps on the eyelids.
No matter what the cause, eyelid bumps are usually harmless, but they should still be looked at by a professional to ensure they are benign. Certain eye bumps and changes to the eyelid skin can be a sign of skin cancer, and it’s important to treat those as early as possible.
Common Eyelid Bumps
While there are numerous types of eyelid bumps, some are more common than others. Some of the most common types of eyelid bumps include the following:
Hordeolum
Also called a stye, a hordeolum is an often painful infection of the sebaceous glands in the lower or upper eyelid. They are typically caused by a bacterial staph infection and result in pain, swelling, and redness. They usually look like a pus-filled lump or pimple at the edge of the eyelid.
Chalazion
A chalazion is a swollen, painless, and benign eyelid lesion and often starts as a small, red, swollen area of the eyelid.. They occur when the oil glands on the eyelid are blocked. While they can usually be treated at home, if they don’t go away on their own, professional treatment may be needed.
Xanthelasma
Xanthelasma is a harmless, yellow growth that appears on or by the corners of your eyelids next to your nose. They occur when cholesterol deposits build up under your skin. While high cholesterol can be an underlying cause of these bumps, some patients have completely normal levels.
Milia
Milia (often called milk spots) are small, white cysts under the surface of the skin and can form on the eyelids, nose, or cheeks. They form when dead skin cells get caught under the skin and harden. While they are completely harmless, they often cause people to become self-conscious of their appearance.
Eyelid bump that won’t go away? A bump that lasts more than a few weeks, keeps coming back, bleeds or changes shape should be checked by an eye doctor. Book an eyelid evaluation at our Tamarac or Boca Raton office.
Common Symptoms of Eyelid Bumps
Symptoms of eyelid bumps can differ based on the type of eyelid bump you’re experiencing, but some of the most common symptoms include:
- Swelling
- Tenderness
- Redness
- Irritation
- Gritty, scratchy sensation
- Sensitivity to light
- Tearing
Seeking Treatment for Eyelid Bumps
Benign lesions can often be treated at home, but that’s not always the case. It can depend on the severity of the bump, the type of bump, and the results you’re looking for.
For styes and chalazia, they often go away on their own, but it can take a few weeks. To move the process along, you can start by putting a warm compress or a damp cloth on your eye several times a day, massaging the swollen area, avoiding wearing eye makeup, and cleaning your contact lenses before using them again.
No matter what types of bumps you are struggling with, you do not want to squeeze, pop, or poke any bump.
If an eyelid bump gets worse or you would like to move along the process, our team at Advanced Eye Surgeons can prescribe antibiotic ointment, or we can make an opening in the bump and drain it. Surgical excision is also an option.
See an eye doctor if a bump lasts longer than 2–3 weeks, keeps coming back, bleeds, changes shape, or causes lash loss. These can be signs of something that needs a closer look. Our ophthalmologists see eyelid bumps at our Tamarac office and Boca Raton office. Book an eyelid evaluation or call (954) 726-2080.
Eyelid Bumps FAQs
Are eyelid bumps contagious?
Can wearing contact lenses increase the risk of eyelid problems?
Can eyelid bumps keep coming back?
Can an eyelid bump leave a scar?
What should I do if an eyelid bump keeps returning in the same spot?
About the Reviewer
Dr. Archana Gupta is a board-certified ophthalmologist and cornea and external disease specialist at Advanced Eye Surgeons in Tamarac and Boca Raton. She completed her ophthalmology residency at the University of Buffalo and a cornea fellowship at the University of Minnesota. Meet Dr. Gupta →
Schedule an Appointment
Have you been noticing bumps on your eyelids and are unsure what they are? Don’t hesitate to schedule a consultation with Dr. Gupta at Advanced Eye Surgeons. We’ll diagnose and provide proper treatment. Call our Boca Raton or Tamarac office or message us via our online contact form.
