Eyelid bumps usually begin as a small knot under the skin or on top. A person may not notice the bump in these beginning stages. Bumps occur on the upper or lower eyelid, for similar reasons. However, if bumps on the upper eyelid continue to increase in size, these bumps have a greater likelihood of pressing on the eye itself and blurring vision until the bump decreases in size. A doctor should evaluate any eyelid bump that continues to worsen.
Chalazion
The eyelids have glands called meibomian glands. When a blockage occurs in the gland, a bump called a chalazion may form under the skin. As the bump on the lid grows, the eyelid may feel tender and painful. If swelling increases, the vision may blur. Doctors often recommend applying a warm compress to the affected area for 10 to 15 minutes throughout the day to encourage the blockage to soften and drain, the U.S. National Library of Medicine says. If the chalazion doesn't improve, an eye doctor may need to drain the gland.
Hordeolum
Similar to a chalazion, a hordeolum also occurs in the meibomian glands. Instead of a blockage causing the bump, a hordeolum results from an infection in the gland. The bump may appear above the skin or below, and the bump often appears red and swollen. If the bump occurs under the skin, the eyelid appears red in the surrounding area. Treatment for a hordeolum is similar to a chalazion. Start with warm compresses. If this doesn't help, an eye doctor may recommend an eye drop or oral antibiotics to help with the infected gland. A hordeolum that doesn't respond to treatment may warrant draining by the eye doctor. A person with a bump, particularly a hordeolum, shouldn't try to pop or drain the bump because this may spread the infection, says the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.
Skin Cancer
Though many bumps on the eyelid result from a chalazion or hordeolum, skin cancer may also cause the bump. Basal cell carcinomas are one of the most common types of cancer found on the eyelid, and the cancerous bumps often appear on the lower eyelid, says The Foundation of the American Academy of Ophthalmology. Basal cell tumors don't usually spread to other areas, though other types of cancerous eyelid bumps may spread. An examination with an eye doctor may not immediately diagnose the type of cancer, but in most cases the doctor will determine that he should remove the bump. Limiting exposure to direct sunlight, either with sunscreen or sunglasses, may reduce the risk of basal cell carcinomas.
