What is the difference between a stye and a chalazion?

A stye, medically known as a hordeolum, is an infection of the oil glands in the eyelid, often resulting in red, swollen, and painful bumps on or near the eyelid's edge. Treatment for a stye typically includes warm compresses to alleviate discomfort and help drain the infection, and in some cases, antibiotics may be prescribed if a bacterial infection is present. This is why the answer emphasizing that a stye can be treated with antibiotics is correct; antibiotics help target the infection caused by bacteria.

On the other hand, a chalazion is a blockage of the oil glands, which often occurs after a stye has healed but may also develop independently from an infection. Chalazia are usually not caused by infection, hence antibiotics are not effective in treating them, which distinguishes them from styes. Treatments for chalazia often focus on warm compresses and, if persistent, may require other interventions rather than antibiotics.

This differentiation between the nature of the lesions and their treatments is essential for proper eyelid health management and understanding ocular conditions.