Chalazion: Symptoms, Treatment, & More

Last Updated: October 4, 2024

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A chalazion is an eyelid bump caused by a blocked oil gland. Whilethey are not typically painful, they usually are still uncomfortable. Minor cases may go away on their own, but larger chalazia might need medical intervention, particularly if they interfere with vision.

Chalazions are most common in people ages 30 to 50, but anyone can develop these bumps. Some underlying medical conditions may be causing chalazions to be more common. In other cases, some hygiene habits can make one more prone to these bumps.

Causes
Symptoms
Diagnosis & Treatment
Prevention
FAQs

Causes of Chalazion

A chalazion, sometimes called an eyelid cyst or a meibomian cyst, is a red bump on your eyelid. It typically forms when an oil gland becomes blocked, being painful at first but not so much after it’s set in. It typically forms on the underside of your upper eyelid, or occasionally form on your lower eyelid.

These oil glands, called “meibomian glands,” usually have the job of producing meibum, an oily substance which helps your eyes stay moist. There’s roughly 25 of these glands on the upper eyelid and 20 on the lower. As for what blocks them, they simply get clogged sometimes.

A few other medical factors may increase the instance of chalazions:

Rosacea: A skin condition causing redness and pimples
Blepharitis: Inflammation of the eyelid edge
Seborrheic dermatitis: A skin disorder causing scaly patches and red skin
Infections

Chalazion Symptoms

Chalazion may grow larger over time. While the area may not be painful, the skin will be swollen, red, and tender. There may be mild irritation which causes watering of the eyes, or even cause the entire eyelid to swell. In addition, vision may be affected (blurred, etc.) by the obstruction pushing on your eyeball. It can cause the eye to feel scratchy and dry.

Chalazion Diagnosis & Treatment

You should ideally consult an eye care specialist, either an optometrist or an ophthalmologist, who can offer treatment if need be. A chalazion may be easy to mistake for other conditions, such as styes or tumors, but requires different treatment. As a general rule, unless it’s very small and minor, you should come to your doctor with any bumps on your eyelid.

In most cases, chalazia can be treated at home using the medically prescribed course of action. This usually involves a warm compress. Apply a warm, wet washcloth to the eyelid gently for five minutes, three to six times per day. This helps the area heal faster, and may open the blocked oil duct.

Depending on the doctor’s recommendation, you might get over-the-counter eye drops or ointment to apply to the area. In some cases, the doctor might prescribe a steroid shot to help the swelling go down, and in extreme cases surgical removal is necessary.

doctors appointment — Any bumps you find on your eyelids should be brought to the attention of your doctor right away. Your doctor can determine what is causing the bump, and they can help you determine the best way to make that lump fade away.

Preventing Chalazions: Keeping Your Eyelids Clear

Chalazions, styes, and even other eye bumps and irritations can be kept at considerable bay through the simple measure of cleanliness.

Maintain good eyelid hygiene by cleaning regularly.
Treat and manage skin conditions such as rosacea.
Avoid touching or rubbing your eyes excessively.
If prone to chalazions, consider using doctor-recommended eyelid scrubs or cleansers.
Be careful with makeup; wash off every night before bed, never use someone else’s eye makeup as that can transfer bacteria.

Frequently Asked Questions

What causes a chalazion?

A chalazion is caused by the blockage of a small oil gland in the eyelid. This leads to the accumulation of oil within the gland, resulting in a bump or lump.

Is a chalazion painful?

Typically, a chalazion is not painful. However, it can cause discomfort, particularly if it grows large enough to press against the eye.

Can a chalazion cause vision problems?

In some cases, if a chalazion grows very large, it can press on the eye and cause blurry vision.

How is a chalazion diagnosed?

A healthcare professional can typically diagnose a chalazion through a physical examination of the eyelid. It’s important to seek a professional diagnosis as other conditions can resemble a chalazion.

What is the treatment for a chalazion?

Treatment for a chalazion often starts with conservative methods, such as applying warm compresses to the eyelid and gentle massage to encourage the oil to drain. If these methods do not work, further treatments such as steroid injections or minor surgical procedures may be considered.

Can I prevent a chalazion?

Maintaining good eyelid hygiene can help prevent chalazions. This may include washing your face and eyes daily, removing all eye makeup before bed, and not touching or rubbing your eyes.

Can a chalazion come back after treatment?

Yes, it’s possible for a chalazion to recur, particularly in individuals who have had one before. Regular eyelid hygiene can help reduce the risk of recurrence.

Does a chalazion go away on its own?

A chalazion can often resolve on its own without treatment. This can take several weeks or even months. However, if it persists or causes discomfort, it is recommended to seek medical advice.

When should I see a doctor about a chalazion?

If you notice a lump on your eyelid, you should see a healthcare professional to confirm the diagnosis. Additionally, if the lump grows rapidly, causes pain or vision changes, or doesn’t improve with conservative treatments, seek medical advice.

References

The Form and Function of Meibomian Glands. (May 2016). Review of Ophthalmology.
What Are Chalazia and Styes? (September 2017). American Academy of Ophthalmology.
Stye/Chalazion. American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.
Chalazion. American Optometric Association.
Chalazion. American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus.
Chalazion. Cleveland Clinic.
Focus on Eyelid Skin Cancers: Early Detection and Treatment. (September 2018). Skin Cancer Foundation.
Chalazion. (August 2010). The BMJ.
Conservative Therapy for Chalazia: Is It Really Effective? (January 2018). Acta Ophthalmologica.
Incision and Curettage Versus Steroid Injection for the Treatment of Chalazia: A Meta-Analysis. (May 2016). Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.
A Simple Anesthetic Technique to Eliminate Pain and Optimize Patient Satisfaction for Chalazion Incision and Curettage. (December2017). Advances in Ophthalmology and Visual System.
Effectiveness of Intralesional Triamcinolone Acetonide in the Treatment of Chalazion. (March 2015). Pakistan Journal of Ophthalmology.

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