Chalazion Overview
Learn About Chalazion
A chalazion is a small bump in the eyelid caused by a blockage of a tiny oil gland.
Meibomian gland lipogranuloma
A chalazion is caused by a blocked duct in one of the meibomian glands. These glands are located in the eyelid directly behind the eyelashes. They produce a thin, oily fluid that lubricates the eye.
A chalazion often develops following an internal hordeolum (also called a stye). The eyelid most often becomes tender, red, swollen and warm. Sometimes, the blocked gland causing the stye will not drain even though the redness and swelling go away. The gland will form a firm nodule in the eyelid that is not tender. This is called a chalazion.
A chalazion will often go away without treatment in a month or so.
- The first treatment is to place warm compresses 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 blocking the duct, and lead to drainage and healing.
- DO NOT push or squeeze the chalazion.
If the chalazion continues to get bigger, it may need to be removed with surgery. This is most often done from the inside of the eyelid to avoid a scar on the skin.
Steroid injection is another treatment option.
Massachusetts Eye And Ear Associates, Inc
Prashant Yadav is an Ophthalmologist in Boston, Massachusetts. Dr. Yadav and is rated as an Elite provider by MediFind in the treatment of Chalazion. His top areas of expertise are Chalazion, Eyelid Bump, Meibomianitis, and Subconjunctival Hemorrhage.
Harvard Medical Faculty Phys At Beth Israel Deaconess Med Ctr Inc
Michael Yoon is an Ophthalmologist in Brighton, Massachusetts. Dr. Yoon and is rated as an Elite provider by MediFind in the treatment of Chalazion. His top areas of expertise are Eyelid Drooping, Orbital Cellulitis, Entropion, Chalazion, and Endoscopy. Dr. Yoon is currently accepting new patients.
Miguel Burnier practices in Montreal, Canada. Mr. Burnier and is rated as an Elite expert by MediFind in the treatment of Chalazion. His top areas of expertise are Uveal Melanoma, Chalazion, Melanoma, Cataract Removal, and Vitrectomy.
Chalazia most often heal on their own. The outcome with treatment is excellent in most cases, but they may return after they have initially healed.
You may lose some eyelashes or you may end up with a small notch in the edge of the eyelid. Rarely, a healed chalazion will leave a small scar on the skin of the eyelid. These problems are more common if you've had surgery for the chalazion.
Contact your health care provider if lumps on the eyelid continue to get bigger despite treatment, or you have an area of eyelash loss.
Applying warm compresses daily, then scrubbing the lid at the eyelash line may help prevent chalazia and styes. Use eye cleansing pads or diluted baby shampoo for this.
If your provider has prescribed antibiotic ointment, apply it to the lash line after using warm compresses and scrubs.
Summary: Local injection of 5-fluorouracil into a chalazion (stye) is as effective as local injection of triamcinolone (steroid) and incision and curettage for treatment of chalazia.
Published Date: October 02, 2024
Published By: Audrey Tai, DO, MS, Athena Eye Care, Mission Viejo, CA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
American Academy of Ophthalmology website. What are chalazia and styes? www.aao.org/eye-health/diseases/what-are-chalazia-styes. Updated June 14, 2023. Accessed October 28, 2024.
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