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Saai Eye Hospital

Chalazion

What is a Chalazion?

A chalazion is a small swelling or lump in the eyelid. It may start as a small, red, tender area in the eyelid. Days later, it may change to a painless lump in the eyelid.

A chalazion is similar to another bump that can appear on the eyelid called a stye. Unlike a chalazion, a stye is caused by a bacterial infection in the root of the eyelash and the bump appears at the edge of the eyelid. Sometimes a chalazion can begin as a stye on the inside of the eyelid. A stye is painful; a chalazion generally is not. Also, a chalazion appears farther back on the eyelid. Treatment for both conditions, however, is similar.



What causes a chalazion?

A chalazion occurs when the opening of an oil-producing gland in the eyelid becomes clogged. Oil-producing glands line the eyelids and help lubricate the surface of the eye. When the opening of the gland becomes blocked, oil backs up inside the gland, causing the eyelid to swell. After the initial redness and swelling go away, a firm lump forms in the eyelid.

The cause of the Multiple Chalazion could be the underlined diabetes, refractive error, immunosuppression or rarely it could be Cancer (sebaceous gland carcinoma)



What are the signs and symptoms of a chalazion?

Signs and symptoms of a chalazion include:

  • Painless swelling in the eyelid that slowly grows over the first week
  • Swelling of the membrane that covers the surface of the eye and inner surface of the eyelid (conjunctiva)
  • Blurred or distorted vision
  • Red or grey area on the inside of the eyelid


How is a chalazion diagnosed?

A chalazion is usually diagnosed by a visual exam of the eyelid.



What are the risk factors for developing a chalazion?

Anyone can get a chalazion. However, you may be more likely to get a chalazion if you:
  • Have had a chalazion or stye before
  • Have blepharitis (an inflammation of the eyelids)
  • Have certain skin conditions, such as acne rosacea or seborrheic dermatitis 


What are the treatments for a chalazion?

Most small chalazia disappear on their own within 2 to 8 weeks. However, to help them heal faster, chalazia can be treated at home with self-care. Treat as follows:

  • Apply a warm washcloth to the eyelid. The warm washcloth helps the blocked gland to open and drain. Apply for 10 to 15 minutes at a time, 3 to 5 times a day. Rewarm washcloth as needed by soaking it in warm water. Wring out excess water, then reapply to the eyelid.
  • Gently wipe away eyelid drainage with mild soap such as Johnson’s baby shampoo and water or eyelid wipes (available in drug stores).

Also, follow these tips:

  • Do not push on or squeeze a chalazion.
  • Do not rub or touch your eyelid with unwashed hands.
  • Do not wear makeup or contact lenses until the area has fully healed.

A large chalazion or one that does not go away after 2 to 8 weeks of self-care may require medical treatment by a doctor. Treatments given by doctors include:

  • In-office incision (under local anaesthesia) to drain the chalazion
  • Steroid injection to reduce the swelling


Can a chalazion be prevented?

The best way to prevent a chalazion is by practising good hygiene around your face and eyes by following these steps:

  • Wash your hands thoroughly and often and especially before touching your face and eyes.
  • Wash your hands before and after removing contact lenses. Clean contacts with disinfectant and lens cleaning solution. Discard daily wear or other “limited use” lenses on the schedule recommended by your eye doctor.
  • Wash your face to remove dirt and/or makeup before going to bed.
  • Throw away all old or expired makeup. Replace mascara and eye shadow every 2 to 3 months. Never share or use another person’s makeup.


When should I see my eye doctor?

See your eye doctor if:

  • The chalazion has not drained and healed after 1 month of self-care.
  • Your vision is blurry or distorted.
  • Chalazia keep recurring. If this happens, a biopsy (a small piece of the chalazion) may need to be taken to rule out other more serious problems


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