Chalazion

Alternative Names:

Meibomian gland lipogranuloma

Treatment:

A chalazion will often disappear without treatment within a month or so.

The primary treatment is application of warm compresses for 10-15 minutes at least 4 times a day. This may soften the hardened oils blocking the duct and promote drainage and healing. If the chalazion continues to get bigger, it may need to be surgically removed. This is usually done from underneath the eyelid to avoid a scar on the skin.

Antibiotic eye drops are usually used several days before and after removal of the cyst , but are otherwise of little value in treating a chalazion.

A chalazion that keeps coming back should be biopsied to rule out tumor.

Expectations (prognosis):

Chalazia usually heal on their own. The outcome with treatment is usually excellent.

Complications:

A large chalazion can cause astigmatism due to pressure on the cornea. This will resolve with resolution of the chalazion.

Calling your health care provider:

Apply warm compresses and call your health care provider if the swelling progresses or persists longer than 1 month.

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if lumps on the eyelid continue to enlarge despite treatment or are associated with an area of eyelash loss.

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.

Eye

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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