Chalazion: Eye Disease

Chalazion Excision Surgery

A chalazion, also known as a meibomian gland lipogranuloma, is a cyst in the eyelid that is caused by inflammation of the meibomian gland, usually on the upper eyelid. Chalazions differ from styes (hordeolums) in that they are usually painless apart from the tenderness caused when they swell up. A chalazion may eventually disappear on its own after a few months, though more often than not, some treatment is necessary.

Signs and symptoms
• Swelling on the eyelid
• Eyelid tenderness
• Sensitivity to light
• Increased tearing

Treatment:
The primary treatment is application of warm compresses for 10 - 20 minutes at least 4 times a day. This may soften the hardened oils blocking the duct and promote drainage and healing. Topical antibiotic eye drops or ointment (e.g. chloramphenicol or fusidic acid) are sometimes used for the initial acute infection, but are otherwise of little value in treating a chalazion. Chalazia will often disappear without further treatment within a few months and virtually all will resorb within two years.

If they continue to enlarge or fail to settle within a few months, then smaller lesions may be injected with a corticosteroid or larger one may be surgically removed using local anesthesia. This is usually done from underneath the eyelid to avoid a scar on the skin. Rarely chalazia may reoccur and these will be biopsied to help rule out tumors.

A large chalazion can cause astigmatism due to pressure on the cornea. This will resolve with resolution of the chalazion. Complications including, but not limited to hypopigmentation may occur with corticosteroid injection. The presence of recurring chalazion in the same area should lead to a consideration of sebaceous cell carcinoma.

In about 50% of people, the lump will not go away completely. After waiting about two weeks, if there is no improvement, it is best to have the CHALAZION EXCISION.