Chalazion

A chalazion is a painless bump on the eyelid that usually resolves on its own and doesn’t cause any serious complications.

Chalazion

A chalazion occurs when a meibomian gland (an oil gland) becomes blocked and leads to a bump on the eyelid. Chalazia are more common in adults between the ages of 30 and 50.

A chalazion and a stye are very similar, but styes are bacterial infections that cause the oily gland to block, and they usually appear on the eyelid edge, while chalazia are mostly found on the underside of the upper lid and are painless, unlike styes.

Causes and risk factors of chalazion

• When something blocks a small oily gland, it causes it to swell and eventually form a bump, which is a chalazion.
• The risk of having chalazia increases due to the following factors: having chronic blepharitis, dry skin, dandruff, rosacea, and experiencing hormonal changes.

Symptoms of chalazion

• A bump in the eyelid, mostly the upper one.
• At first, chalazia might cause mild pain.
• Mild irritation that may lead to a watery eye.
• Swelling in the whole eyelid.
• When that chalazion becomes bigger, it may put pressure on the cornea and cause blurred vision.

Diagnosis of chalazion

• Eye exam.

Treatment of chalazion

• A chalazion usually clears on its own and doesn’t require any treatment.
• You can apply warm compresses.
• Don’t squeeze or rub the chalazion.
• Don’t put on makeup until full recovery.
• Practice good facial hygiene, and don’t touch the face or eye before making sure that the hands are clean.
• Some cases might require draining the fluid through an incision by a specialist.