Chalazion

The term chalazion comes from a Greek word meaning a small lump. It refers to a swelling in the eyelid caused by inflammation of one of the small oil producing glands (meibomian glands) located in the upper and lower lids.

A chalazion is sometimes confused with a stye, which also appears as a lump on the eyelid. A stye is an infection of a lash follicle that forms a red, sore lump near the edge of the eyelid.

A chalazion is an inflammatory reaction to trapped oil secretions. It is not caused by bacteria, although the site can become infected by bacteria.

Chalazions tend to occur farther from the edge of the eyelid than styes and tend to “point” toward the inside of the eyelid.

Sometimes a chalazion can cause the entire eyelid to swell suddenly, but usually there is a definite tender point.

When a chalazion is small and without sympstoms, it may disappear on its own. If the chalazion is large, it may cause blurred vision.

Chalazion’s are treated with any or a combination of the following methods:

1. Warm compresses. These can be applied in a variety of ways. The simplest way is to hold a clean washcloth, soaked in hot water, against the closed lid. Do this for 5 to 10 times a day.Repeatedly soak the washcloth in hot water to maintain adequate heat. The majority of chalazions will disappear within a few weeks.
2. Steroid injections can be useful after soaks have been tried and a small lump remains.
3. Surgical incision or excision. Large chalazion’s which do not respond to other treatments can be surgically opened after the early inflammation is reduced.

Chalazions usually respond well to treatment, although some people are prone to reoccurrences. If a chalazion reoccurs in the same place, your ophthalmologist may suggest a biopsy to rule out more serious problems.

Eye disease can occur at any age. Many eye dieases do not cause symptoms until damage has occured. Since most blindness is preventable if diagnosed and treated early, regular medical examinations by an ophthalmologist are very important.