What is a chalazion?

A chalazion is a swelling in the eyelid caused by chronic or acute inflammation of one of the small oil producing glands (meibomian glands) located in the upper and lower eyelids. A chalazion is similar to a stye, which also appears as a lump in the eyelid. A chalazion is usually a reaction to trapped oil secretions and not caused by bacterial infection.

How is a chalazion treated?

When a chalazion is small and without symptoms, it may disappear on its own within weeks or a few months. If the chalazion is large, it may become more noticeable and cause blurred vision by pressing on the eye. Warm compresses several times a day, may help resolve this in the early stages. After a few months, those chalazia which remain can be treated with a minor surgical procedure in the office. Postoperatively, we recommend using Polysporin eye ointment in the eye, at bedtime for 4 days. Swelling will reside after a few days. Occasionally a small bump may still be felt after healing has occurred, due to thickening scar tissue.