The term chalazion comes from a Greek word meaning small lump. It refers to a swelling in the eyelid caused by inflammation of one of the small oil-producing glands (meibomian glands) located in the upper and lower eyelids.

A chalazion is sometimes confused with a stye which also appears as a lump in the eyelid. A stye is an infection of a lash follicle that forms a red, sore lump near the edge of the eyelid.

A chalazion is an inflammatory reaction to trapped oil secretions. It is not caused by bacteria, although the site can become infected.

Chalazia tend to occur farther from the edge of the eyelid than styes and tend to “point” toward the inside of the eyelid.

Sometimes a chalazion can cause the entire eyelid to swell suddenly, but usually there is a definite tender point.

When a chalazion is small and without symptoms it may disappear on its own.

Chalazia are treated with any or a combination of the following methods:

1. Warm compresses
   Warm compressed can be applied in a variety of ways. The simplest way is to hold a clean washcloth, soaked in hot water against the closed eyelid. Do this for five to ten minutes, three to four times per day.

Repeatedly soak the washcloth in hot water to maintain adequate heat. The majority of chalazia will disappear within a few weeks to months.

2. Surgical incision or excision
   Large chalazia which do not respond to other treatments can be surgically opened after the early inflammation is reduced. This is rarely performed in small children since it requires general anesthesia. In older children and adult this can be done in the office with local anesthesia.

Chalazia usually respond well to treatment although some people are prone to recurrences. If a chalazion recurs in the same place your ophthalmologist may suggest a biopsy to rule out more serious problems.

 2006 © Stacey J. Kruger, M.D. & Associates, P.A..  All rights reserved.