Most bumps on the eyelid are styes.
A stye is an inflamed oil gland on the edge of the eyelid, where the lash meets the lid. There are various superstitions associated with the occurrence of a stye.
One very prevalent belief is that “A person will suffer from a stye when he/she is angry with themselves or somebody else.”
Where as on medical grounds a stye is defined as a red, swollen bump that looks like a pimple. It is tender, especially to touch. It is very painful and causes lot of discomfort. It gradually increases in size on the second and third day. Causing the eye to swell up.
Causes
Bacteria from the skin that gets into the hair follicle of the eyelash causes a stye in the eye.
Hair follicles contain oil glands, which become inflamed due to the bacteria.
Styes are very similar to common acne pimples that occur on the skin.
There is a possibility that you may have more than one stye at the same time.
Styes usually develop over a few days and may drain and heal on their own.
Other possible eyelid bumps include:
Chalazion:A stye can turn into a chalazion when an inflamed oil gland becomes fully blocked. If a chalazion gets large enough, it can cause trouble with your vision.
Blepharitis: A condition where the eyes become red. You are more likely to get styes
Xanthelasma: raised yellow patches on your eyelids that can happen with age. These are harmless, although they are occasionally a sign of high cholesterol. Papillomas :pink or skin colored bumps. They are harmless, but can slowly grow, affect your vision, or bother you for cosmetic reasons. If so, they can be surgically removed.
Cysts :small fluid-filled sacs that can affect your vision.
