Fact Checked
A chalazion is a miniature lump that is usually painless that forms on the edge or rim of the eyelid caused by an obstructed Meibomian or oil gland. The glands secrete oil into the surface of the eyes and lubricate the cornea. The lump becomes enlarged in days to weeks and sometimes becomes warm, red and very painful. This condition is also called tarsal cyst or conjunctival granuloma.
Symptoms of a chalazion
- Small lump that develops on the eyelid.
- Sometimes it causes mild pain or irritation when lumps starts to develop
- Severe swelling, redness and very painful when becomes infected.
- Problems with vision when the lumps becomes enlarged
- Drainage coming from the glands irritates the conjunctiva and cornea of the eye.
Causes
- Small meibomian glands on the upper and lower eyelids becomes blocked
- Inflammation or viruses infecting the Meibomian glands.
- Inflammatory conditions such as acne, rosacea, seborrhea and chronic blepharitis.
- Common in people with viral conjunctivitis or eye or eyelid infections
Treatment
- Avoid popping or squeezing the chalazion to prevent further irritation and worsen the condition.
- Apply warm compress on the affected area to open and drain blocked oil gland. Soak a clean wash cloth in hot water as hot that can be tolerated, wring out excess water. Place the warm cloth in the affected eyes for at least 10-15 minutes at a time, 3-5 times every day. It also increases blood circulation in the area and for fast healing. Another alternative is using a microwavable heating pad or an electric heating pad is good for the condition.
- Apply prescribed antibiotic ointment or drop to lessen the pain and the inflammation.
- After the hot compress massage the cyst using a clean finger or a cotton bud for fast drainage.
- Clean the area using baby shampoo. Dilute the shampoo using warm water and clean the eyelids at least twice every day to eliminate dead skin cells and grease to lessen formation of the cysts.
- Seek medical help if the cyst does not drain on its own. An incision is made at the underside of the affected eyelid and the inflamed tissue is removed. The incision is closed using dissolvable sutures. Prescribed anti biotic ointment or drops to prevent development of infections.
- Prescribed steroid injection on the chalazion to lessen the swelling and the inflammation.
Tips
- Clean the eyelids regularly at least twice every day, in the morning and before going to bed at night.
- Warm or hot compress in the morning and before going to bed at night to prevent formation of chalazia.
FACT CHECK
https://www.webmd.com/eye-health/ss/slideshow-guide-stye-chalazion