A
chalazion is a small inflamed lump or cyst within the eyelid that is caused by
a clogged, inflamed, or sometimes infected maibomian gland. The first
sign of a chalazion is usually a small painless lump in either upper or lower
lid. It may continue to grow larger and reaching the size of a pea. If it
becomes infected, it may even grow larger and the entire eyelid becomes red,
swollen and painful to touch.
Treatment
for chalazion includes warm compress and lid scrub. However, warm
compress is not recommended during active inflammation since it increases
swelling and redness. Instead, cold compress should be applied during
active inflammation. Sometime antibiotic or steroid eye drops are needed
to calm the inflammation down.
When the active inflammation resolves and there remains a large lump that causes blurred vision or irritation, surgery can be preformed to open the chalazion up and drain all the content inside. If properly done, chalazion should not recur after surgery. However, other maibomian gland can still clog up and cause chalazion on the same or different eyelid.
