What is a chalazion?
The term chalazion comes from a Greek word meaning
a small lump. It refers to a swelling in the eyelid
caused by inflammation of one of the small oil-producing
glands (meibomian glands) located in the upper and lower
eyelids.
A chalazion is sometimes confused with a stye, which
also appears as a lump in the eyelid. A stye is an infection
of a lash follicle that forms a red, sore lump near
the edge of the eyelid.
A chalazion is an inflammatory reaction to trapped
oil secretions. It is not caused by bacteria, although
the site can become infected by bacteria.
Chalazions tend to occur farther from the edge of the
eyelid than styes and tend to "point" toward
the inside of the eyelid.
Sometimes a chalazion can cause the entire eyelid to
swell suddenly, but usually there is a definite tender
point.
How is a chalazion treated?
When a chalazion is small and without symptoms, it
may disappear on its own. If the chalazion is large,
it may cause blurred vision.
Chalazions are treated with any or a combination of
the following methods:
1. Warm compresses:
Warm compresses can be applied in a variety of ways.
The simplest way is to hold a clean washcloth, soaked
in hot water, against the closed lid. Do this for
five to ten minutes, three or four times a day.
Repeatedly soak the washcloth in hot water to maintain
adequate heat. The majority of chalazions will disappear
within a few weeks. Sometimes antibiotic ointments
are used in combination with warm compresses.
2. Steroid injections:
Injections can be useful after soaks have been tried
and a small lump remains.
3. Surgical incision or excision:
Large chalazions which do not respond to other treatments
can be surgically opened after the early inflammation
is reduced.
Chalazions usually respond well to treatment, although
some people are prone to recurrences. If a chalazion
recurs in the same place, your ophthalmologist may suggest
a biopsy to rule out more serious problems.
Why are regular medical eye examinations important
for everyone?
Eye disease can occur at any age. Many eye diseases
do not cause symptoms until damage has occurred. Since
most blindness is preventable if diagnosed and treated
early, regular medical examinations by an ophthalmologist
are very important.
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