Chalazion
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Apr 2, 2024.
What is a chalazion?
A chalazion is a lump on your eyelid. This lump develops because an oil gland in your eyelid is blocked. A chalazion may be small and then slowly grow bigger.
What are the signs and symptoms of a chalazion?
- Small lump on your eyelid
- Burning feeling in your eyelid
- Drooping of your eyelid
- Inflammation in your eyelid
- Itching of your eye or eyelid
- Trouble seeing
How is a chalazion diagnosed?
Your healthcare provider will ask you when you first noticed the lump. Your provider will also ask you about your symptoms and check your eyelid carefully. You may need a biopsy if you have chalazions that keep coming back. During the biopsy, your provider will use a needle to remove a small piece of your chalazion. The piece of chalazion is then sent to a lab for tests.
How is a chalazion treated?
- Warm compress: Wet a washcloth with warm water and place it on your eye. This will help decrease swelling and pain. Your healthcare provider will tell you how often to use a compress.
- Steroid medicine: You may need a shot of steroid medicine in the eyelid. This medicine helps to decrease swelling.
- Surgery: You may need surgery to remove your chalazion if it is large or becomes infected. During surgery, a small cut will be made on the eyelid. Your healthcare provider may also use a laser or a tool that uses heat to remove the chalazion.
What are the risks of having a chalazion?
- You may need to return for more steroid shots. Steroid shots may cause the skin on your eyelid to scar or change color in the area where you got your shot. Surgery may also cause a scar to form on your eyelid. You may need more than one surgery to remove your chalazion.
- If you do not have treatment for your chalazion, the chalazion may grow bigger. You may have trouble moving your eyelid. The chalazion may also cause problems with your eyesight.
When should I seek immediate care?
- You have trouble moving your eyes.
- Your eyelid or eye begins to bleed.
- Your vision suddenly becomes worse.
- Your eyelid suddenly becomes more swollen.
When should I call my doctor?
- The swelling and redness on your eyelid does not get better with treatment.
- You see or feel a new lump on your eyelid.
- You feel pressure behind your eyes.
- You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.
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