What is a Chalazion?
A chalazion is a small, typically painless growth that appears on your eyelid that is caused by a blocked meibomian or oil gland. These bumps can appear on either the upper or lower eyelid and are generally harmless. They may even disappear on their own without any treatment. Depending on the size and location of the lump, chalazia can be uncomfortable or negatively impact your vision. If you experience reoccurring chalazia, they may be indicative of a larger, more severe condition. If you do have a growth on your eyelid, make sure to consult with your eye doctor to make sure the lump is properly diagnosed. Chalazia are often mistaken for conditions with similar visible side effects, such as sties.
Chalazion Treatment and Prevention
Chalazia are more common in those with preexisting inflammatory skin conditions such as acne, rosacea, or seborrhea. Even if you are susceptible to reoccurring instances of chalazia, there are precautionary habits you can adopt to prevent the condition.
- Regular Eyewear Sanitation. If you wear glasses or contacts, regularly cleaning and sanitizing your eyewear will help prevent the growth of a chalazion.
- Hand Sanitation. Regularly wash your hands before touching your face and eyes.
Chalazia will sometimes go away on their own without any treatment. If your chalazion is red or swollen, it may mean that the lump is infected and requires immediate treatment. If your eye doctor recommends treatment, it will likely be either a home care treatment or a medical treatment.
Home Care Chalazion Treatment
Home care treatments for chalazia are similar to treatments for severely blocked pores. Doctors do not advise squeezing or applying excess pressure to the lump. Instead, it is best to avoid touching it as much as possible and instead apply a warm compress to the eyelid about four times a day. This compress should be applied for about 10 minutes at a time. Depending on the size and location of the lump, your doctor may recommend eye drops or creams.
Chalazion Medical Treatment
If your chalazion does not go away on its own, or through home care treatments, your eye doctor may recommend either a corticosteroid injection or a surgical procedure to remove the lump.
