What does it mean when a small bump appears on the white part of the eye?

The white of the eye refers to the white part inside the eyeball. A small bump appearing on the sclera may be caused by conditions such as chalazion, blepharitis, phlyctenular conjunctivitis, eye stones, or pterygium, and treatment should be based on the underlying cause.

1. Chalazion

When a chalazion forms or enlarges, it may exert pressure on the eyelid and surrounding tissues, affecting the sclera and causing a small bump to appear. This may be accompanied by symptoms such as eyelid congestion, redness, swelling, and tenderness. Under medical guidance, local warm compresses can be applied to promote absorption of the lump and relieve symptoms.

2. Blepharitis

Infection of the sebaceous glands at the base of the eyelash follicles along the eyelid margin or the meibomian glands may lead to blepharitis, resulting in small lumps forming on the surface or inner side of the eyelid, along with eyelid congestion and swelling. It is recommended to follow a doctor's advice to use antibiotic treatments such as tobramycin eye drops, levofloxacin eye drops, or hydrochloride chlortetracycline eye ointment to reduce inflammation and improve symptoms.

3. Phlyctenular Conjunctivitis

This condition may cause edema, blisters, or vesicles in the conjunctival tissue, leading to small bumps or blister-like structures on the sclera, accompanied by pain and swelling. Maintaining good eye hygiene and using anti-inflammatory medications such as tobramycin eye drops, levofloxacin eye drops, or erythromycin eye ointment under medical guidance can help alleviate symptoms.

4. Eye Stones

Eye stones may develop due to degenerative changes in the conjunctiva or other eye conditions such as dry eye syndrome or chronic conjunctivitis. Eye stones typically occur at the scleral location, causing a small bump on the sclera and symptoms such as foreign body sensation, eye pain, and photophobia. It is recommended that eye stones be removed through a stone extraction procedure performed by a qualified physician to relieve symptoms.

5. Pterygium

Pterygium may form on the ocular surface due to exposure to ultraviolet light, irritation from wind, sand, dust, or infection with human papillomavirus. It causes a bump on the scleral area and may also lead to vision loss, astigmatism, and other symptoms. Under medical guidance, medications such as methylprednisolone tablets, betamethasone tablets, or hydrocortisone acetate tablets may be prescribed to relieve local discomfort.

It is advisable to visit a hospital for evaluation and actively pursue treatment under a doctor’s supervision to avoid disease progression. During treatment, maintain cleanliness around the eyes to prevent infection. In daily life, ensure adequate rest, avoid staying up late, and minimize excessive eye strain to help alleviate symptoms.