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Chalazion
The term
chalazion (pronounced Kuh-LAY-zee-un) comes from a Greek world meaning small
lump.
A chalazion is an
enlargement of an oil-producing gland in the eyelid called meibomian gland. It
forms when the gland opening becomes clogged with oil secretions. It is not
caused by an infection from bacteria, and it is not cancerous.
What is the
difference between a chalazion and stye?
A chalazion is sometimes
confused with a stye, which appears as a lump on the eyelid. A stye is a red,
sore lump near the edge of the eyelid caused by an infection eyelash follicle.
Chalazia tend to develop farther from the edge of the eyelid than
styes.
How is a
chalazion treated?
About 25% of chalazia have no symptoms, and will
disappear without any treatment. Sometimes, however, a chalazion may become
red, swollen and tender. A larger chalazion may also cause blurred vision by
distorting the shape of the eye. Occasionally, a chalazion can cause the entire
eyelid to swell suddenly.
Symptoms are
treated with one or more of the following methods:
Warm compresses. Warm
compresses help to clear clogged gland. Soak a clean washcloth in hot water and
apply the cloth to the lid 10-15 minutes, three or four times a day until the
chalazion is gone. You should repeatedly soak the cloth in hot water to
maintain adequate heat. When the clogged gland opens, you may notice increased
discharge from the eye. This should improve.
Antibiotic ointments. An
antibiotic ointment may be prescribed if bacteria infect the
chalazion.
Steroid injections. A steroid (cortisone) injection is
sometimes used to reduce inflammation of a chalazion.
Surgical removal.
If the chalazion does respond to other treatments and/or affects vision, your
ophthalmologist may drain it surgically. The procedure is usually performed
under local anesthesia in your ophthalmologist's office.
A chalazion
usually responds well to treatment, although some people are prone to
recurrences. If a chalazion recurs in the same place, your ophthalmologist may
suggest a biopsy to rule out more serious problems. |
