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Eyelid Cyst (Chalazion)

A chalazion is a common eyelid cyst that appears as a small, usually painless lump on the upper or lower eyelid. It is often confused with a stye, but unlike a stye, a chalazion is not an infection. This guide covers everything you need to know about chalazion symptoms, home treatment, and when to consider surgery.

 

What is a Chalazion?

  • A chalazion is a blocked oil gland in the eyelid that becomes swollen and inflamed.

  • It forms a firm lump that may feel tender or look red, especially if inflamed.

  • Unlike a stye, it typically does not involve infection and is not contagious.

 

👁️ What Does a Chalazion Look or Feel Like?

  • A round, firm eyelid lump (upper or lower).

  • Usually painless unless infected or very swollen. Grows slowly over days or weeks.

  • May cause mild eyelid swelling or blurred vision if large.

 

🩺 Do I Need Treatment for a Chalazion?

  • 80% of chalazia clear up on their own within 2 to 6 months.

  • 30–40% may opt for minor eyelid surgery if the lump is persistent or bothersome.

  • Surgical success is high (90%+), but up to 10% may recur.

 

🏠 Chalazion Home Treatment

  1. Warm Compresses Using Eye Bag or Heated Eye Mask

    • Use a heated eye mask (like an EyeBag or OPTASE® mask), warmed as per instructions.

    • Place over the closed eyelid for 10 minutes, twice daily.

    • Helps to melt the blocked oil, soften the lump, and relieve discomfort.

    • These are safer, easier, and more effective than homemade hot towels or spoon methods.

  2. Gentle Eyelid Massage

    • After using the heated eye mask, gently massage the lump with a clean finger or cotton bud in the direction of the eyelashes.

    • Encourages the cyst to drain naturally.

  3. Eyelid Cleaning

    • Clean eyelids twice a day using eyelid wipes or diluted baby shampoo on a cotton pad.

    • Removes oils and dead skin that block glands and helps prevent new cysts.

 

💊 Do You Need Antibiotics for a Chalazion?

  • Usually not needed, as most chalazia are not infected.

  • Antibiotic drops or ointments are only used if there are signs of infection (e.g., pain, redness, swelling).

 

🔪 When is Chalazion Surgery Needed?

  • If the lump:

    • Does not improve after several weeks of home care

    • Grows larger, becomes painful, or affects vision

  • Minor surgical removal (incision and curettage) is performed by an ophthalmologist under local anaesthetic.

    • Quick procedure done as a day case.

    • High success rate, with minimal downtime.

 

⚠️ When to See a Doctor

  • The eyelid lump becomes very painful, hot, or swollen

  • Vision becomes blurred or affected

  • You feel generally unwell or develop a fever

  • The lump persists longer than 3 weeks

Important: In rare cases, infection can spread around the eye (called orbital cellulitis) – this requires urgent hospital treatment.

 

🔄 Can a Chalazion Come Back?

  • For most people, it’s a one-time issue.

  • Some are prone to recurrence.

  • Regular warm compresses and eyelid hygiene can reduce the risk.

  • In persistent or recurring cases, further treatment or advice from your eye surgeon may be needed.

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