Chalazion refers to a swelling in the eyelid caused by chronic imflammation of one of the small oil producing glands located in the upper and lower eyelids. It is sometimes confused with a stye which also appears as a lump in the eyelid. A chalazion is usually a reaction to trapped oil secretions and not caused by bacteria, although the site can become secondarily infected by bacteria. They tend to occur farther from the edge of the eyelid than styes and tend to “point” toward the inside or nose side of the eyelid, occasionally causing the entire eyelid to swell suddenly.
Symptoms of Chalazion:
- Aching, tenderness or “fullness” in the eyelid, followed by some swelling or redness.
- Formation of a small bump on the edge of the lid, with one or more eyelashes in the center of the bump.
- As the bump grows, it may form a “head” or “point” in the center and my drain a little pus, which dries to form bits of crust on the lashes.
Treatment for Chalazion:
When a chalazion is small and without symptoms, it may disappear without treatment. If it is large, it may cause blurred vision by distorting the shape of the eye. Chalazions usually respond well to treatment, although some people are prone to recurrences and may require continuing medications. If a chalazion recurs in the same place, a biopsy may be necessary to rule out more serious problems. They can be treated with any one or a combination of the following methods:
- Antibiotic and/or steroid drops or injections
- Surgical incision or excision
- Warm compresses held against the closed lid for five to ten minutes, three to four times a day
- Massage or expression of the glandular secretions
If you are experiencing any symptoms of Chalazion, we encourage you to contact us today to schedule a consultation.
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