It could be caused by cholesterol, or it could be just an allergic reaction. Remember this is spring, and there are burning fields right now too. I don't know if this helps much, but here's a couple links...

One for a general "eye bumps" problem which includes Xanthoma:

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/ar ticle/001447.htm

And one for Xanthoma, which is the bumps caused by high triglycerides:

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/ar ticle/001447.htm

I think the underlying thing is that if there is something causing the bump (other than allergies) it may have to have a biopsy to determine the underlying cause, which could be something serious.

yeah i think you could be right--she said that it started in post falls and was a result of menopause----any info supporting that?

I'm sorry those two links are the same The first one that I meant to put was

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/ar ticle/001009.htm

for the general eye bump problem.

I don't think it's from menopause unless it is actually more of an "acne" bump that is tender to the touch. This is called hormonal acne, just like what teens most often get while their hormones are changing and unbalanced. That's just my guess. Like the article says, it's important to have good hygiene and most styes will go away on their own. However, since she's had these for at least 6 months, she should probably have them checked out by the doctor because of the possible very harmful underlying causes.

http://www.womenfitness.net/beauty/eye/sty es.htm

Other possible eyelid bumps include:

*
Xanthelasma - raised yellow patches on your eyelids that can happen with age. These are harmless, although they are occasionally a sign of high cholesterol.
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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.


Besides, everyone of that age should be having yearly checkups anyway!