Symptoms
A chalazion usually starts as a very small and reddish bump on the eyelid. After a few days, it can change into a painless, slowly growing lump and reach the size of a pea. Symptoms include:
- Swelling or lump on the eyelid
- Redness of the eye
- Tearing
- Irritation
- Blurred vision, if the chalazion is large
- Pain (in rarer cases)
Risk Factors
- Poor eye hygiene
- Seborrhea
- Acne
- Rosacea
- Chronic blepharitis
- Long-term eyelid inflammation
- Viral conjunctivitis
- Infection inside the eyes and eyelids
- Stress
- Eyelid trauma
- Eyelid surgery
Diagnosis
The diagnosis of a chalazion is made through a detailed clinical examination by an experienced ophthalmologist. They perform a visual inspection of the affected eye, and the diagnosis is primarily based on its characteristic appearance. It is important to differentiate a chalazion from a stye, as the symptoms can be similar in the early stages of both conditions.
In cases of doubt or atypical presentation, a biopsy may be required to rule out malignant processes.
Treatment
Conservative treatment of a chalazion includes dry, warm compresses 4–5 times a day for several days. The goal is to liquefy the retained oily secretion to allow it to drain more easily. Do not try to squeeze or “pop” the chalazion, as this can lead to infection and complications. Antibiotic ointments are used to reduce inflammation.
If the chalazion does not resolve with conservative therapy within a few weeks, the retained secretions become encapsulated. In such cases, a surgical procedure may be required, involving the injection of a corticosteroid or excision with complete removal of the retained contents, in order to reduce inflammation and swelling.
Prevention
The best way to prevent a chalazion is good hygiene:
- Wash your hands before touching your eyes
- Wash your face before bed to remove dirt and makeup
- Remove eye makeup before going to sleep
- Do not use expired cosmetics, and replace mascara, eyeliner, eyeshadow, and eye pencils every 3 months
Frequently Asked Questions
It is often difficult to distinguish a stye from a chalazion. A stye is very painful, appears on the edge of the eyelid, and is caused by an infection. It often swells and sometimes affects the entire eyelid. A chalazion is usually not painful. It is also a lump but is caused by a blocked oil gland. It rarely causes the entire eyelid to swell.
No, a chalazion is not contagious, as it is not caused by a bacterial infection, and bacteria cannot spread from person to person.
With good hygiene, without pressing or squeezing, a chalazion can heal in one week. If left untreated, it can take four to six weeks. In some cases, it lasts for months.
If you have already had a chalazion, the likelihood of getting another one is high. Therefore, maintain good eye hygiene by washing your face every evening and removing makeup with clean cotton pads.
A chalazion usually disappears on its own, which can take from a week to several months. During this period, you may feel discomfort about its appearance. For faster removal, it is recommended to visit an eye specialist who can prescribe the necessary treatment. Regular warm compresses at home can help the lump drain more quickly naturally.
Chalazia are not cancerous growths and do not spread in the body. However, if you have concerns, your eye doctor can take a biopsy to check.
