A chalazion is a firm, usually painless lump caused by a blocked oil gland (meibomian gland) in your eyelid. Initially, you might notice some mild tenderness, but it typically becomes painless as it grows.
In this article, we’ll go over what a chalazion is, how to treat it, and when you should seek help.
What is a Chalazion?
A chalazion, or eyelid cyst, is a pea-like lump in the upper or lower eyelid caused by a blocked meibomian gland. These glands line the margin of the eyelids and secrete oil to keep the eyes moist.
A chalazion usually appears as a firm, painless swelling after an initial period when mild redness/tenderness can occur and then subsides. Resolution often takes weeks to months.
Larger chalazia can put pressure on the eye and create discomfort. In more serious cases, a chalazion may cause blurry vision and lead to significant swelling of the eyelid.
Chalazion vs. Stye
Though easily confused, chalazia differ significantly from styes. A stye forms when bacteria infect an eyelash follicle or gland near the lash line, causing rapid swelling, redness, and pain.
By contrast, a chalazion results from blocked oil glands, grows slowly, typically feels firm, and rarely causes significant redness or pain.
If you want to check for chalazia at home, gently pull your eyelid away from your eye and look in the mirror. A chalazion usually appears as a pea-sized lump away from your eyelashes.
What Causes Chalazia?
When oils become too thick and clog the meibomian glands, it can lead to chalazia. People with certain conditions may also be at increased risk for chalazia.
These conditions commonly include:
- Blepharitis (eyelid inflammation)
- Skin conditions like rosacea and seborrheic dermatitis
- Diabetes
- High cholesterol
- Regular smoking
- Demodicosis (Demodex mite infestation)
- Stye infection (prior localized eyelid infection)
- Meibomian gland dysfunction
If you've had a chalazion before, you're also at risk of developing it again.
How to Treat a Chalazion At Home
Most chalazia shrink or disappear within a month using simple at-home remedies. These include:
- Warm compress. Place a clean, warm compress or reusable heat mask over your closed eyelid for 10 to 15 minutes, two to four times daily. This warmth helps unclog the blocked oil gland, speeding up healing.
- Eyelid massage. Lightly massage your eyelid in a downward motion towards the lash line. This encourages the gland to release trapped oil naturally.
- Keep your eyelids clean. Regularly wash your eyelids with mild soap or cleansing wipes to prevent additional gland blockages.
- Avoid squeezing or popping. Popping the lump can lead to irritation, infection, or scarring.
Keep in mind, antibiotic ointments and eye drops aren’t usually effective since bacterial infections don’t cause chalazia. They might be considered only if there’s active drainage or associated inflammation (blepharitis); consult your eye doctor before use.
How Long Do Chalazia Last?
With consistent home care, most chalazia noticeably improve within two to four weeks and fully resolve in about a month. However, healing can occasionally take up to several months, especially if your chalazion is larger or inflamed.
If your lump persists beyond a month despite good home care or worsens at any point, consult your eye doctor promptly. They’ll guide you toward effective next steps to speed your recovery.
When Should You Seek Urgent Care?
Chalazia rarely lead to severe issues. However, quickly contact an eye specialist if you notice:
- Blurry or changed vision
- Rapidly increasing swelling around the eyelid or face
- Redness and warmth spreading beyond your eyelid, potentially indicating cellulitis
- Painful eye movements, proptosis (eye bulging), or reduced vision, suggesting orbital cellulitis
These symptoms signal more severe conditions requiring prompt medical evaluation to prevent serious complications.
How is Chalazion Treated?
If at-home treatments are ineffective, your doctor might use medical treatments. For instance, an intralesional steroid injection into the chalazion can reduce inflammation and swelling around the eye.
Your doctor may also perform a minor surgical procedure known as incision and curettage. This involves making a small cut on the inner eyelid and draining the blocked gland, achieving a high success rate (commonly reported around 80 to 90%).
Recovery is fast, with minimal discomfort and usually no noticeable scarring. Keep in mind your treatment will depend on certain factors like lump size, location, persistence, and your comfort.
How to Prevent Chalazion
Simple daily habits significantly lower your chances of developing chalazia in the future:
- Regularly clean your eyelids with mild soap, diluted baby shampoo, or eyelid cleansing wipes to reduce gland blockages.
- Discard mascara and eyeliners every three months, avoid expired makeup, and never share cosmetics.
- Manage underlying conditions like rosacea, blepharitis, or chronic dry eyes.
- Keep your contact lenses and case clean, and temporarily switch to glasses if chalazia or other eyelid problems occur.
- Wear sunglasses or protective eyewear to protect your eyes from environmental irritants.
Dietary supplements like omega-3 fatty acids (found in fish and flaxseed) may benefit eye health, but evidence for preventing chalazia is mixed. Discuss with your doctor before using supplements specifically for eyelid health.
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