A chalazion, also known as a meibomian gland, is a small, painless lump that forms slowly on the eyelid due to a blockage of one of the oil glands called the meibomian glands. This blockage causes an accumulation of oil that cannot be drained.
It can cause mild irritation or temporary blurred vision. Treatment often involves massaging the eyelid and applying warm compresses. In some cases, minor surgical intervention or antibiotic treatment may be required.
A chalazion is usually painless and often resolves on its own within a few weeks. It is common in adults between the ages of 30 and 50 and can affect one or both eyes.
What is a chalazion
A chalazion is a small, painless lump that forms inside the eyelid due to a blockage of the oil glands.
It can cause irritation and blurred vision. Treatment may involve antibiotics or surgical removal.
Symptoms of a Chalazion (Chalazion) in the Eye
A chalazion is more common in the upper eyelid than the lower eyelid. It initially appears as a small, inflamed lump with mild pain, then slowly increases in size and becomes painless. Common symptoms include:
- Blurred vision due to pressure on the eyeball.
- Tearing.
- Mild eye irritation.
What are the causes of a chalazion
The main cause is a blockage of one of the meibomian glands, which are oil glands responsible for secreting oils to moisturize and protect the eye. These glands are located behind the eyelashes and become blocked due to inflammation or increased viscosity of the oils. Infection is a less common cause.
Factors that increase the risk of developing a chalazion:
- Skin conditions such as rosacea or seborrheic dermatitis.
- Blepharitis (inflammation of the eyelids).
- Meibomian gland dysfunction.
A previous chalazion. Diagnosis of a Chalazion (Chalazion)
Diagnosis of a chalazion depends on the patient's medical history and examination of the eyelids and eyelashes. The doctor may examine the eyelids using a bright, magnifying light to visualize the openings of the meibomian glands.
In some cases, the doctor may order further tests, such as taking a sample of the chalazion for laboratory analysis, especially if there is suspicion of skin cancer.
Treatment of a Chalazion at Home
The symptoms of a chalazion usually improve on their own or with treatment. If the chalazion becomes infected, the doctor may prescribe antibiotics in the form of eye drops or ointment. Some cases may require oral antibiotics.
In some cases, surgery is necessary to remove the chalazion. This involves making a small incision in the eyelid and draining the contents under local anesthesia. Home treatment includes applying warm compresses and massaging the area to soften the accumulated fat and open the meibomian glands for drainage.
Medications for Treating Chalazion
- Mograflox eye drops.
- Gatistar eye drops.
- Rami-Zithro.
- Tobradex eye drops.
- Tobrex eye drops.
- Tobrin eye drops.
- Nevanac eye drops.
What are the complications of a chalazion
Some complications can arise from neglecting or delaying treatment, including:
- Development of a bacterial infection leading to inflammation and swelling of the chalazion.
- The chalazion becoming so large that it affects vision.
- Loss of some eyelashes as a result of surgery.
- Difficulty moving the eyelid.
- Scarring of the eyelid as a result of surgery.
Ways to prevent chalazion
- Remove makeup and wash your face daily to prevent chalazion.
- Avoid sharing cosmetics with others.
- Wash your hands before touching your eyes or before and after using contact lenses.
- Use an eyelid wash to clean your eyelids in cases of blepharitis (inflammation of the eyelids).
- Maintain contact lens hygiene by following the correct instructions.
- Wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from dust.
- Insert and remove contact lenses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a chalazion disappear on its own
A chalazion may disappear on its own, or it may persist for life if left untreated.
What is the difference between a chalazion and a boil in the eye
A boil is a painful bacterial infection of a hair follicle that appears as redness, swelling, and pus. A chalazion, on the other hand, is a painless lump caused by a blocked oil gland without infection.
How long does it take to remove a chalazion from the eye
The duration depends primarily on the size and location of the chalazion. Since the procedure is performed under local anesthesia, chalazion removal may take between 15 and 60 minutes.
Is a chalazion dangerous
A chalazion (a lump on the eyelid) usually disappears on its own, but it can cause temporary discomfort and blurred vision in the eyelid and can become serious if it becomes infected.
Article Summary
A chalazion is a small, painless lump that forms slowly on the eyelid due to a blockage in one of the oil glands, causing an accumulation of oil that cannot drain.
It may cause irritation or blurred vision. Treatment includes massaging the eyelid and applying warm compresses. In some cases, antibiotics or minor surgical intervention may be required.