Exams and Tests

It is often hard to tell the difference between styes and chalazia, which are minor problems of the eyelid. Both are diagnosed by a close visual exam of the eyelid. If there is a hard bump deep inside the eyelid, it is usually diagnosed as a chalazion.

If a stye does not heal with home treatment, your doctor may order culture and sensitivity tests of the fluid inside the stye. These tests will help your doctor find out what kind of bacteria is causing the infection and help guide further treatment.