Chalazion: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Medically reviewed by Achuta Uppu, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor treats Chalazion?
An ophthalmologist (an eye doctor) can treat a chalazion. An optometrist (an eye care provider who checks vision) can also diagnose it. Most chalazia heal on their own, and warm compresses are the first treatment. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What is a chalazion?
A chalazion is a small bump in the eyelid caused by a blockage of a tiny oil gland. The gland sits in the eyelid right behind the eyelashes. It makes a thin, oily fluid that keeps the eye slippery. When the duct of the gland blocks, the oil gets trapped and a firm lump forms. The lump is usually not tender. A stye (a tender, red, swollen eyelid) can become a chalazion. It shows up more often on the upper eyelid and can happen at any age.
Symptoms
A chalazion usually grows slowly. Signs can include:
- A firm bump in the eyelid that is usually not tender.
- Eyelid discomfort.
- Blurred vision if the lump gets large enough.
If the lump gets a second infection, it can become painful.
Causes and who gets it
A chalazion comes from a blocked duct in a meibomian gland (an oil gland in the eyelid). The trapped oil leaks into the tissue, and a firm lump forms.
Things that raise the risk include:
- Blepharitis (long-term inflammation of the eyelid) or rosacea (a skin condition that causes facial redness).
- A past chalazion.
- Demodex mites (tiny mites that live on the skin).
- Low vitamin A.
- Smoking.
Chalazia affect both sexes equally and occur in all age groups.
How doctors diagnose it
An exam of the eyelid confirms the diagnosis. Tests are rarely needed. The doctor may use a slit lamp (a special microscope for eye exams) to check the oil glands.
If a chalazion keeps coming back or looks unusual, the doctor may send the tissue to a lab to be checked (a biopsy). Rarely, skin cancer of the eyelid may look like a chalazion and must be ruled out.
Treatment
A chalazion will often go away without treatment in a month or so. The first treatment is warm compresses. Place a warm, wet cloth over the eyelid for 10 to 15 minutes at least four times a day. Use lukewarm water. This may soften the hardened oils blocking the duct and lead to drainage and healing. Do not push or squeeze the chalazion. Gently massaging the eyelid and keeping the lid clean can also help.
If the chalazion keeps getting bigger or does not go away, a doctor may offer:
- A steroid shot into the lump. It can cause side effects such as skin color changes, thinning of the skin or the fat under the skin, and loss of vision.
- Surgery called incision and curettage (opening and scraping out the lump). It is the treatment of choice when surgery is needed. The doctor works from the inside of the eyelid, so no scar shows on the skin.
When to see a doctor
Contact your provider if the eyelid bump gets bigger despite treatment or does not improve within a week or two of self-care. Call 911 or go to the emergency room if the eyelid and cheek swell and hurt, an eye bulges, you have a fever, moving the eye hurts or is hard, you see double, or your vision gets worse. These can be signs of orbital cellulitis, a dangerous infection of the fat and muscles around the eye. It needs care right away, and it can get worse very quickly in children.
How a direct primary care or concierge doctor fits in
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. Either can examine the bump and show you how to use warm compresses. They can also follow the lump over time and refer you to an eye doctor if it does not go away.
Common questions
What is the difference between a stye and a chalazion?
A stye is a tender, red, swollen eyelid. A chalazion is a firm lump from a blocked gland and is usually not tender. A stye can turn into a chalazion.
Will a chalazion go away on its own?
Often, yes. A chalazion will often go away without treatment in a month or so. Chalazia most often heal on their own, but they may return after they heal.
How do I use warm compresses?
Place a warm, wet cloth over the eyelid for 10 to 15 minutes at least four times a day. Use lukewarm water, no hotter than you can leave your hand in comfortably. This may soften the hardened oils and lead to drainage and healing.
Can a chalazion affect my vision?
Yes, if it gets large enough. A large chalazion can press on the cornea (the clear front window of the eye) and cause blurred vision.
When is surgery needed?
If the chalazion keeps getting bigger, a doctor may remove it with surgery. It is done from the inside of the eyelid, so no scar shows on the skin.
Sources
- MedlinePlus - Chalazion
- MedlinePlus - Orbital cellulitis
- American Academy of Ophthalmology - EyeWiki - Chalazion
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
