CHALAZION

General Information

DEFINITION--A mass on the eyelid resulting from chronic inflammation of a meibomian gland (gland which lubricates the lid margins).

BODY PARTS INVOLVED--Eyelid.

SEX OR AGE MOST AFFECTED--Adults of both sexes.

SIGNS & SYMPTOMS--A painless swelling on the eyelid, which at first may resemble a sty. The eyelid may swell, and the eye may feel irritated. After a few days, these early symptoms disappear, leaving a painless, slow-growing, firm lump in the eyelid. Skin over the lump can be moved loosely.

CAUSES--Blockage of a duct leading to the surface of the eyelid from the meibomian gland. The blockage may be due to infection (usually staphylococcal) around the duct opening.

RISK INCREASES WITH--Skin conditions such as acne rosacea or seborrheic dermatitis.

HOW TO PREVENT

• If you have a tendency to get chalazions, wash eyelid area daily with water and baby shampoo applied with a cotton swab.
• At the first sign of eyelid irritation, apply warm compresses several times a day.

What To Expect

DIAGNOSTIC MEASURES--

• Your own observation of symptoms.
• Medical history and physical exam by a doctor.
• Laboratory culture of the discharge from the chalazion (sometimes).

APPROPRIATE HEALTH CARE

• Self-care. To help the healing, gently massage the lid towards the margin. This helps to release blocked-up fluid from the gland.
• Surgical removal under local anesthesia in the doctor's office, if the chalazion does not heal spontaneously in 6 weeks, if is a large chalazion or if it becomes infected. (See Chalazion Removal in Surgery section.)

POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS--None expected.

PROBABLE OUTCOME--A chalazion may heal spontaneously. If not, it is usually curable with surgical removal.

How To Treat

GENERAL MEASURES----Use warm-water soaks to reduce inflammation and hasten healing. Apply soaks for 20 minutes, then rest at least 1 hour. Repeat as often as needed.

MEDICATION--Your doctor may prescribe:

• Topical antibiotic ointments or creams, such as erythromycin or bacitracin. Apply a thin layer of medication to the lid edges 3 or 4 times daily. A heavy layer wastes medicine and is no more beneficial than a thin layer.
• Antibiotic eye drops to prevent the spread of infection to other parts of the eye. Oral antibiotics or antibiotic injections usually are not needed.

ACTIVITY--No restrictions.

DIET--No special diet.

Call Your Doctor If

• You have symptoms of a chalazion that last longer than 2 weeks.
• You have pain in the eye.
• Your vision changes.
• New, unexplained symptoms develop. Drugs used in treatment may produce side effects.