1. What is a Chalazion?

A chalazion is a harmless lump or cyst that develops when an oil gland (meibomian gland) in the eyelid becomes blocked.
These glands normally produce oil that helps keep the eyes moist. When blocked, the oil builds up, forming a painless swelling in the eyelid.

• Usually appears as a small, smooth lump inside the upper or lower eyelid
• May be red or slightly tender in the beginning
• Often settles on its own within a few weeks
• Not contagious and does not affect eyesight

A common underlying cause is blepharitis (inflammation of the eyelid margins).

2. Symptoms

• Small lump or swelling on the eyelid
• Mild tenderness or irritation at first (usually settles)
• Sometimes redness of the surrounding skin
• Discharge may occur if the cyst drains
• Vision is typically unaffected

👉 In some cases, the lump may remain for several weeks or months as a painless cyst.

🌿 Causes and Risk Factors

• Blockage of oil (meibomian) glands in the eyelid
• Chronic blepharitis
• Rosacea – a skin condition that can affect the eyelids
• Occasionally after viral conjunctivitis
• More common in those with oily skin or recurring eyelid inflammation

3. Treatment at Home

Most chalazions heal without medical treatment. You can help it resolve faster with the following:

1. 🌡 Warm Compress

   *Dip a clean cloth in warm (not hot) water
   *Hold it gently against your closed eyelid for 2–3 minutes
   *Repeat 3–4 times a day to soften the blockage

2. 💆 Lid Massage
   

   After using the warm compress, gently massage the eyelid:
   For upper lid → massage downwards toward the lashes
   For lower lid → massage upwards toward the lashes
   This helps the oil drain naturally

3. 🚫 Do Not
   

   Squeeze or pop the lump
   Use eye makeup or contact lenses until the lump has healed
   Touch the eyelid frequently
   If the chalazion drains spontaneously, keep the area clean with cooled boiled water.

4. 💊 Medications
   

   Your doctor may recommend:

   Antibiotic ointment or drops if there is associated redness or infection
   Pain relief (Paracetamol/Ibuprofen) for mild discomfort
   Oral antibiotics only if infection spreads to the surrounding skin

5. 🔪 When Surgery is Needed
   

   If the chalazion:

   Persists beyond several weeks despite home treatment
   Is large, recurrent, or cosmetically concerning
   Then a minor surgical procedure may be advised.
   
   The Procedure

   Performed under local anaesthetic
   A small incision is made on the inner surface of the eyelid
   The cyst contents are gently drained
   An antibiotic ointment and an eye pad are applied
   You can go home the same day

   Recovery

   Mild swelling or bruising is common for a few days
   Keep the pad for 4–6 hours, then clean gently
   Apply prescribed ointment as directed
   You may resume work the next day

6. 🔍 Biopsy (Rarely Needed)
   If chalazions recur frequently or do not heal as expected, your surgeon may take a small biopsy to rule out other rare eyelid conditions.
   
7. 👦 Chalazion in Children
   Common and usually harmless
   Most resolve naturally with warm compresses
   Surgery is rarely required
   Seek advice if the child’s eye becomes red, swollen, or painful, or if vision becomes blurry

4. ⚖ Chalazion vs. Stye

5. 🩺 When to Seek Medical Advice

Contact your eye specialist if:

• The lump becomes painful, red, or swollen
• Vision is blurred or there’s discharge
• The cyst does not improve after 2–3 weeks
• The problem keeps coming back