Eyelid Cyst (Chalazion) – Symptoms, Treatment & Recovery

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.