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Chalazion

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Definition:

A chalazion is a small bump in the eyelid caused by a blockage of a tiny oil gland.

Alternative Names:

Meibomian gland lipogranuloma

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

A chalazion develops within the glands that produce the fluid that lubricate the eye. These are called Meibomian glands. The eyelid has approximately 100 of these glands, which are located near the eyelashes.

A chalazion is caused by blockage of the duct that drains one of these glands. A chalazion begins as swelling and tenderness, and later forms a cyst-like growth. Many chalazia disappear without treatment after a few months.

References:

Yanoff M, Duker JS, Augsburger JJ, et al. eds. Ophthalmology . 2nd ed. St. Louis, Mo: Mosby; 2004:708.

Goldman L, Ausiello D. Cecil Textbook of Medicine , 22nd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: WB Saunders; 2004:2410.

• Review Date: 10/20/2006
• Reviewed By: Manju Subramanian, MD, Assistant Professor in Ophthalmology, Vitreoretinal Disease and Surgery, Boston University Eye Associates, Boston, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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