Overview

A chalazion is a common, benign lump or swelling that forms on the eyelid due to blockage and inflammation of a meibomian gland. These oil-producing glands are located within the eyelids and help lubricate the eye. When the gland becomes blocked, it leads to a buildup of oil, resulting in a painless bump. Unlike a stye, which is caused by an infection, a chalazion is usually non-infectious and tends to grow more slowly. Most chalazia resolve on their own but may sometimes require medical treatment if persistent or causing discomfort.

Causes

The primary cause of a chalazion is the obstruction of a meibomian gland. Factors contributing to this blockage include:

• Meibomian gland dysfunction: Overproduction or thickening of gland secretions can clog the ducts.
• Chronic eyelid inflammation: Conditions like blepharitis increase the risk of blocked glands.
• Rosacea: People with rosacea, a skin condition causing facial redness, often experience eyelid gland dysfunction.
• Seborrheic dermatitis: Oily skin conditions can contribute to gland blockage.
• Previous stye: An untreated or recurrent stye can sometimes develop into a chalazion.
• Poor eyelid hygiene: Not cleaning the eyelid area properly may lead to blockages.

Symptoms

Chalazion symptoms are typically mild but can vary depending on size and duration:

• Painless lump: A slow-growing, round bump on the upper or lower eyelid.
• Mild tenderness: Some people experience tenderness or slight discomfort in the early stages.
• Swelling: The eyelid may swell slightly around the lump.
• Redness: The skin over the lump may appear slightly red.
• Blurry vision: Large chalazia may press against the eye, causing blurry vision.
• Heaviness of eyelid: A sensation of weight or drooping in the affected eyelid.

Diagnosis

Diagnosing a chalazion is straightforward and based on clinical examination:

• Physical examination: An eye doctor will inspect the eyelid for characteristic swelling and location of the lump.
• No special tests: In most cases, no laboratory or imaging tests are needed.
• Differential diagnosis: Doctors may differentiate a chalazion from a stye, eyelid cyst, or, rarely, sebaceous gland carcinoma if the lump persists.

Treatment

Many chalazia resolve without treatment, but several options are available to speed recovery:

• Warm compresses: Applying a warm, moist compress to the eyelid for 10-15 minutes several times daily helps soften the blockage and promote drainage.
• Eyelid hygiene: Gentle cleaning of the eyelids with mild soap or eyelid scrubs can prevent recurrence.
• Massage: Lightly massaging the eyelid after warm compresses can encourage drainage of the gland.
• Medications: In some cases, topical or oral antibiotics or anti-inflammatory eye drops may be prescribed, especially if secondary infection is suspected.
• Steroid injections: For persistent or inflamed chalazia, corticosteroid injections can help reduce swelling.
• Surgical drainage: If the chalazion does not resolve within a few weeks or causes significant discomfort, a minor surgical procedure under local anesthesia can be performed to drain it.

Prognosis

The prognosis for chalazion is excellent in most cases:

• Self-resolution: Many chalazia disappear on their own within 2-8 weeks with conservative care.
• Good treatment outcomes: Medical treatments like warm compresses or minor procedures typically lead to full resolution.
• Recurrence risk: Some individuals, especially those with blepharitis or rosacea, may experience recurrent chalazia.
• Low risk of complications: With proper management, complications like infection or vision problems are rare.
• Preventive care: Good eyelid hygiene, managing underlying skin conditions, and early treatment of eyelid lumps can reduce recurrence rates.

Overall, with timely care, chalazion usually resolves without long-term effects and does not cause permanent damage to the eye.