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Chalazion: causes and treatment
A chalazion is a benign (non-cancerous) cyst on the eyelid that forms when an oil gland near the eyelid becomes blocked. Discharged fluid from the gland accumulates, forming a cyst. It is the most common type of benign eyelid cyst.
What is a chalazion?
A chalazion is a benign (non-cancerous) cyst on the eyelid that forms when an oil gland near the eyelid becomes blocked. Discharged fluid from the gland accumulates, forming a cyst. It is the most common type of benign eyelid cyst.
What is the difference between a chalazion and a stye?
- Stye (Hordeolum): A small, painful lump that can grow under the eyelid or on the edge of the eyelid from the base of the eyelash. Styes are typically caused by a bacterial infection.
- Chalazion: Can develop from an under-eyelid stye but tends to be painless, unlike a stye.
What causes a chalazion?
The meibomian glands in the eyelids produce oil that coats the surface of the eye to prevent tears from evaporating. These glands can get blocked due to factors including inflammation, leading to the formation of a cyst.
Other causes include:
- A stye under the eyelid
- A bacterial infection of the eye
What are the symptoms of a chalazion?
- A lump, usually on the upper eyelid
- Usually painless but may cause mild pain
- Watering eyes and irritation due to the lack of oil coating the eye
- Blurred vision if a chalazion grows large enough to push against the eyeball
How to treat a chalazion
Chalazion often goes away on their own in a few weeks. Do not try to squeeze or pop the chalazion as this can worsen the condition.
Home treatment:
- Warm compress: Dip a clean cloth in warm water and hold it to the area of the chalazion for 10-15 minutes two to three times a day. This helps warm the oil in the glands and open the blockage. Continue this treatment until the chalazion subsides.
- Hygiene: Keep your eyelids clean and ensure your hands are clean before touching your eyelids.
If a chalazion hasn’t subsided in a few weeks, you may need to visit an eye specialist to have it surgically drained.
How to prevent a chalazion
- Avoid Touching Your Eyes: Ensure your hands are clean if you need to touch your eyes, for example, when using contact lenses.
- Cleanse Your Eyelids: Regularly clean your eyelids to clear makeup or dirt that could block your glands.
Chalazion surgery
To remove a chalazion, a hidden incision can be made underneath the eyelid under local anaesthetic to drain the cyst. This procedure usually takes about 15 minutes. For more details on the procedure and pricing, visit here.
