What is a Chalazion?
A chalazion, is a pimple like lump in the eyelid that looks similar to a cyst. Chalazions occur when the meibomian glands of the eyelids become blocked causing a build up of sebum (the oil and mucus produced by the meibomian glands). They may also arise as a result of infection in the meibomian gland, which is called a stye or a hordeolum, which once it resolves leaves behind some type of scar tissue.
The signs of a chalazion are generally redness, swelling and tenderness of the affected area. Unlike styes, chalazions do not open up and drain spontaneously.
Chalazions usually do not affect the vision, unless they are positioned near the upper eye lid. In this position they can put pressure on your cornea, which focuses light onto you retina. The pressure in turn can temporarily distort the cornea and thus the vision. It is important NOT to stress about this, as once it is treated the vision will return to normal.
Possible Treatments
Chalazions usually resolve on their own however you can encourage the healing process by applying a hot compress to the affected area for 10 minutes, 3 to 4 times a day.
A hot compress can be made by soaking a face cloth in pre-boiled water. Wring the cloth out and allow to it cool a little before applying it to the affected area so as not to scold your skin.
The problem with this traditional method is the cloth cools very quickly. It is inconvenient as you must keep heating the washcloth again and again, as a minimum of 5 minutes is required.
A more efficient and more effective way is to use a hot compress Bruder pack. This product can be microwaved and maintains the appropriate heat for at least 3 – 5 minutes. See it in our dry eye solution page
click here.
New Chalazion Treatment
If this conservative treatment fails, The Eye Practice now has a procedure called MiboFlo®. This unique procedure is done at our clinic and is painless. It is NOT surgical.
Never squeeze a chalazion. If the chalazion persists or reoccurs it may require steroid injection treatment or in in some cases it may need to be drained by an ophthalmologist.
