
What is a Chalazion?
A chalazion is a lump or bump that occurs in the lower or upper eyelid. This swelling is due to the accumulation of material from the small oil-producing gland in the eyelid (meibomian glands). There are many names for these lumps, including eyelid cyst, “hordeolum,” and “stye.” In general, a chalazion is not painful unless it becomes infected.
Symptoms of a Chalazion
Some of the many chalazion symptoms include:
- Visible, palpable swollen bump or lump in the eyelid
- Swollen eyelid
- Tearing and mild irritation
- Blurred vision
Who is at Risk?
Anyone can develop a chalazion, but there are some people who are at a higher risk for them. If you have a skin condition such as blepharitis or acne rosacea, this puts you at a higher risk of developing a chalazion. A chalazion is diagnosed by an eye care professional. At Boston Vision, our eye doctors will examine your eyes and eyelids to see if you have a chalazion. They will look at the lid structure, eyelash appearance, and oil gland openings to check for a blocked gland. Once this condition has been diagnosed, treatment can be determined.
How to Treat a Chalazion
It is important to not attempt to squeeze or pop the chalazion. Most chalazia require minimal treatment and resolve on their own within a few weeks. These can be treated in multiple ways. The mainstay of treatment for a chalazion is warm compresses. Hold a warm compress against your eyelid for as many hours a day as your schedule allows. This will help to soften the collection of oil, unblock the oil glands, and allow them to drain. You can also gently massage the area to help open the blocked oil gland. Antibiotic medications are helpful if the chalazion has become infected.
If this chalazion treatment does not work, then there are other more aggressive medical treatment options, including injection of anti-inflammatory medications and surgical incision. If your chalazion is obstructing your vision, then your eye doctor may recommend these options for you. Talk to the Boston Vision team about the best treatment option if you have a chalazion.
Schedule a Consultation
If you have a lump on your eyelid, then it may be the cause of inflammation of the glands. To get a proper diagnosis and treatment plan started, come into Boston Vision. Our time of highly skilled eye care professionals can help to find the right method to get rid of the chalazion for you. To schedule your appointment, book online with us to get started.