Chalazion – Causes, Symptoms & Treatment
A chalazion is a painless, benign swelling of the eyelid caused by a blocked Meibomian gland. It is not infectious and often resolves on its own within weeks.
Things worth knowing about "Chalazion"
A chalazion is a painless, benign swelling of the eyelid caused by a blocked Meibomian gland. It is not infectious and often resolves on its own within weeks.
What is a Chalazion?
A chalazion (plural: chalazia) is a slow-growing, benign lump or cyst on the upper or lower eyelid. It develops when a Meibomian gland – a sebaceous gland located within the eyelid that contributes to the lipid layer of the tear film – becomes blocked and inflamed. Unlike a stye (hordeolum), a chalazion is generally non-infectious, painless, and not caused by bacteria. It is one of the most common eyelid conditions seen in both adults and children.
Causes
A chalazion forms when the duct of a Meibomian gland becomes obstructed, causing secretions to accumulate and triggering a granulomatous inflammatory reaction within the eyelid tissue. Contributing risk factors include:
- Seborrheic dermatitis (a chronic skin condition causing oily, flaky skin)
- Rosacea (a chronic inflammatory skin disorder)
- Chronic blepharitis (inflammation of the eyelid margins)
- Hormonal changes
- Poor eyelid hygiene
- Frequent rubbing of the eyes
Symptoms
The typical signs and symptoms of a chalazion include:
- A painless, firm lump or swelling on the upper or lower eyelid
- Mild redness or a sensation of pressure around the affected area
- Occasional blurred or distorted vision if the chalazion is large enough to press on the eyeball
- Watery eyes or a foreign body sensation
In its early stages, a chalazion can resemble a stye. However, styes are typically more painful and located at the eyelid margin, while chalazia tend to develop within the eyelid itself and are usually painless.
Diagnosis
A chalazion is usually diagnosed through a clinical examination by an ophthalmologist or general practitioner. The doctor assesses the size, location, and consistency of the swelling. In most cases, no further testing is required. However, a biopsy may occasionally be recommended to rule out rare but serious conditions such as sebaceous gland carcinoma, particularly when the chalazion recurs frequently or appears unusually large or irregular.
Treatment
Conservative Treatment
Many chalazia resolve spontaneously within a few weeks to months without medical intervention. The following self-care measures can help speed up recovery:
- Warm compresses: Apply a warm, damp cloth to the closed eyelid for 5–10 minutes several times a day to soften the blocked secretion and encourage natural drainage.
- Eyelid massage: Gentle massage along the eyelid margin after applying warm compresses to promote drainage of the blocked gland.
- Eyelid hygiene: Regular cleaning of the eyelid margins using commercially available eyelid wipes or a diluted baby shampoo solution.
Medical Treatment
If signs of inflammation are present, an ophthalmologist may prescribe antibiotic or corticosteroid eye drops or ointments. An intralesional corticosteroid injection directly into the chalazion is another option that can effectively reduce inflammation and promote resolution of the cyst without surgery.
Surgical Treatment
When conservative treatment fails and the chalazion persists for several months or impairs vision, a minor surgical procedure known as incision and curettage may be performed under local anesthesia. During this outpatient procedure, the surgeon makes a small incision on the inner surface of the eyelid and removes the contents of the cyst. The procedure is generally safe and effective with a low risk of complications.
Prevention
Maintaining good eyelid hygiene is the most effective way to prevent chalazia. Regular cleansing of the eyelid margins, avoiding touching the eyes with unwashed hands, and treating underlying conditions such as blepharitis or rosacea can significantly reduce the risk of recurrence. People prone to chalazia may also benefit from warm compresses as a daily preventive measure.
References
- Ogun, O. & Kanu, L.N. - Chalazion. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing, 2023. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK499889/
- Kanski, J.J. & Bowling, B. - Clinical Ophthalmology: A Systematic Approach. 8th Edition. Elsevier, 2016.
- American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) - Chalazion and Stye (Hordeolum). Available at: https://www.aao.org/eye-health/diseases/what-is-chalazion-stye
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