Chalazion
A chalazion is a slowly developing lump on the eyelid. It forms because of a blocked oil gland in the eyelid. The eyelids have oil glands that lubricate the inside of the lids. If a gland becomes blocked, the oil builds up and causes the skin to swell.
A chalazion is a slow growing nodule that can take several weeks to grow. It can vary in size. It may appear on the inside or outside of the lid. In most cases, it occurs as a painless bump, on the upper lid because it has more oil glands. The skin may appear normal in color or may be red. A chalazion is usually not painful. But as it grows, it may cause mild pain, soreness, discomfort, sensitivity to light, eye discharge, and increased tearing.
A chalazion often lasts from a few weeks to a month. It is typically benign and often goes away on its own. A chalazion can be mistaken for a sty (infection of an oil gland) because they both appear on the eyelid.
Why a chalazion forms
It’s often unclear why a chalazion appears. But a chalazion can develop when you have any of the following conditions:
Home care
If your healthcare provider finds that a chalazion is infected, they may prescribe an antibiotic drop or ointment. Use the medicine as directed.
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Wash your hands carefully with soap and clean, running water before and after caring for your eye. This is to help prevent infection.
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Apply a warm, moist towel or compress for 10 to 15 minutes, 3 to 4 times a day. This will reduce the swelling and soften the hardened oils blocking the duct.
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Massage the area gently after applying the warm compress to help drain the chalazion. Or follow your healthcare provider’s directions.
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Don’t try to pop or squeeze the chalazion. That may cause more damage.
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Don’t wear eye makeup until the chalazion has healed. Or follow your healthcare provider’s directions. It is advised that you replace mascara, eyeliner, and eye shadow every 3 months.
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Don’t wear contact lenses until the chalazion has healed. Or follow your healthcare provider’s directions.
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Once a day, with eyes closed, clean your eyelids with baby shampoo or a moist eyelid cleansing wipe. This is to help reduce clogging of the duct and prevent a chalazion from returning. Ask your healthcare provider about products to clean your eyelids.
Follow-up care
Follow up with your healthcare provider, or as advised. If the chalazion does not heal in 4 weeks, you may be referred to a healthcare provider who specializes in eye care (an optometrist or ophthalmologist) for further evaluation and treatment. You may also be referred to an eye specialist if you have a large chalazion.
When to get medical advice
Call your healthcare provider right away if any of these occur:
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Chalazion returns to the same area repeatedly
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Symptoms get worse
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New symptoms appear. These include eye pain, warmth or redness around the eye, eye drainage, or both the upper and lower lids of the same eye swell.
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You have blurred vision
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You have a headache that doesn't go away
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You have a fever of 100.4ºF (38ºC) or higher, or as directed by your healthcare provider