Chalazion
A chalazion is a small bump in the eyelid caused by a blockage of a tiny oil gland.
Alternative Names
Meibomian gland lipogranuloma
Signs and tests
An exam of the eyelid confirms the diagnosis.
Rarely, skin cancer
of the eyelid may look like a chalazion. If this is suspected, you may need a biopsy
.
Treatment
A chalazion will often disappear without treatment in a month or so.
- The first treatment is to place warm compresses over the eyelid for 10-15 minutes at least four times a day. Use water that is no hotter than you can leave your hand in comfortably. This may soften the hardened oils blocking the duct, and promote drainage and healing.
- Do not push or squeeze the chalazion.
If the chalazion continues to get bigger, it may need to be removed with surgery. This is most often done from the inside of the eyelid to avoid a scar on the skin.
Steroid injection is another treatment option.
Expectations (prognosis)
Chalazia usually heal on their own. The outcome with treatment is usually excellent.
Calling your health care provider
Call your health care provider if lumps on the eyelid continue to get bigger despite treatment, or you have an area of eyelash loss.
Prevention
To prevent chalazia or styes, it may help to gently scrub the edge of the lid at the eyelash line nightly. Use eye cleansing
pads or diluted baby shampoo.
Apply antibiotic ointment prescribed by your health care provider after scrubbing the eyelids.
References
Jackson JL. Chalazion and Hordeolum. In: Pfenninger JL, Fowler GC eds. Pfenninger and Fowler's Procedures for Primary Care, 3rd ed. Philadelphia, PA:Mosby Elsevier; 2011:chap 65.
Marr BP, Shields CL, Shields JA. Tumors of the Eyelids. In: Tasman W, Jaeger EA, eds.Duane’s Ophthalmology. 2012 ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2012:vol 4; chap 3.
Neff AG, Carter KD. Benign eyelid lesions. In: Yanoff M, Duker JS, eds. Ophthalmology. 3rd ed. St. Louis, MO:Mosby Elsevier; 2008:chap 12.9.
Papier A, Tuttle DJ, Mahar TJ. Differential diagnosis of the swollen red eyelid. Am Fam Physician. 2007;76:1815-1824.
Updated: 11/20/2012
Franklin W. Lusby, MD, Ophthalmologist, Lusby Vision Institute, La Jolla, California. Also reviewed by A.D.A.M. Health Solutions, Ebix, Inc., Editorial Team: David Zieve, MD, MHA, David R. Eltz, Stephanie Slon, and Nissi Wang.