A chalazion is a small, painless lump that forms on the eyelid due to an blocked oil gland. Also known as a meibomian cyst or tarsal cyst, a chalazion is not the same as a stye, which is a red, painful bump on the edge of the eyelid caused by an infected eyelash follicle.
One of the small oil glands that line the eyelid, the meibomian gland, causes a chalazion when it becomes inflamed and blocked. It is these glands that lubricate the eye and prevent it from drying out. When the oil becomes thick or hard, it can clog the opening of the glans, causing a lump to form beneath the eyelid skin.
Some factors that increase the risk of developing a chalazion are:
Having a history of chalazion or stye.
Having a chronic eye condition that affects the oil glands, such as blepharitis, rosacea, or seborrheic dermatitis.
Wearing contact lenses or eye makeup that can irritate or infect the eye.
Having poor hygiene or not cleaning the eyelids properly.
Having diabetes or other conditions that affect the immune system.
The symptoms of chalazion may include:
A small, round, firm lump on the upper or lower eyelid that may grow slowly over weeks or months.
A feeling of heaviness or pressure on the eyelid.
Mild pain, swelling, redness, or tenderness around the lump.
Blurred vision or difficulty opening or closing the eye if the lump is large or presses on the eyeball.
Sensitivity to light or tearing if the lump irritates the eye.
In some cases, a chalazion may become infected and cause more severe symptoms, such as:
A yellow or green discharge from the lump or the eye.
A fever, headache, or general malaise.
A spreading redness or swelling of the eyelid or surrounding skin.
A loss of vision or eye movement.
In order to diagnose a chalazion, your doctor will examine your eye and eyelid and ask about your symptoms and medical history. Your doctor may also order tests to rule out other conditions that may cause similar symptoms, such as:
A slit-lamp examination to look at the surface and structure of your eye using a special microscope and light source.
A culture or biopsy to collect and analyze a sample of fluid or tissue from the lump for signs of infection or cancer.
An imaging test to check for any abnormalities in your eye or orbit. This may include an ultrasound scan (US), a computed tomography scan (CT), a magnetic resonance imaging scan (MRI), or an X-ray.
A chalazion's treatment depends on its size and severity, as well as your preferences and health. Some common treatments include:
A number of home remedies can be used to reduce inflammation and drain the lump. Among them are applying warm compresses several times a day, gently massaging the eyelid with clean fingers or cotton swabs, and cleaning the eyelid with mild soap and water or an over-the-counter eyelid cleanser.
These include over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, prescription anti-inflammatory medications such as corticosteroids, or prescription antibiotics such as erythromycin or doxycycline.
An eyelid incision is made on the inside or outside of the eyelid and the lump is drained and removed if it does not improve with other treatments.
You can prevent chalazion by taking some steps to keep your eyes and eyelids healthy and clean. These include:
Washing your hands before touching your eyes or eyelids.
Removing your contact lenses before going to bed and cleaning them properly according to your doctor’s instructions.
Avoiding sharing your contact lenses, eye makeup, towels, pillows, or other personal items with others.
Replacing your eye makeup every six months and avoiding using expired products.
Treating any underlying eye conditions that affect your oil glands, such as blepharitis, rosacea, or seborrheic dermatitis.
If you notice any signs or symptoms of chalazion, you should contact your doctor right away. It is a common and usually harmless condition that can affect anyone at any age. You can avoid complications and recover from chalazion with proper diagnosis, treatment, and prevention.
