Information about Chalazion

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A chalazion presents as gradually enlarging round, firm lump in the upper or lower lid. They can present in one eye or both eyes. There may be multiple lumps.

They do not interfere with vision but in rare cases, a very large cyst can press on the cornea (window of the eye) and cause blurred vision.
Some children are more prone to this cyst, than others and it can occur in any age group. Hormones play an important role in recurring chalazae.

People with Rosacea, Atopy, Seborrhea and Eczema are more prone to chalazae.

Chalazion is not an infection. It is a blocked gland that has trapped secretions inside.

Styes, are painful red lumps that grow on the eyelid margin arising from eye lash follicle or under the lid as a result of bacterial infection. They usually resolve with warm compresses and anti-biotics given orally or as eye drops.

In the vast majority of cases, chalazion resolve on its own without treatment.

The following can help

• Warm compresses: Use a wet clean washcloth or flanne with warm water (bearable heat), squeeze off the excess water and gently hold it over the affected lid for 15 minutes. Doing this two to three times a day encourages the trapped secretions to melt and the opening of the gland to enlarge.
• Massage: Gentle massage to the lids using slight pressure can help open the blocked gland. The direction of massage should be towards the lash. E.g. downwards for the upper lid and upwards for the lower lid.
• Good hygiene: Cleaning the lids, by massaging diluted baby shampoo during bath times can clear the gland openings.
• Antibiotics are not usually recommended for the treatment of Chalazion. But sometimes a shortcourse is prescribed if the lump causes discomfort.
• Flaxseed taken orally can lessen the recurrence of chalazion.

Is Surgery advised for Chalazion?

If the cyst is very large and remains for a more than 12 months, surgery can release the trapped secretions. However, in children this is not recommended because:

• The cyst is harmless and usually disappear over time.
• Surgery requires the child to be put to sleep (with anesthesia), and that carries risk to general health
• Rare risks of surgery include infection and scarring
• There is 1 in 5 chance that residual cyst remains, as the surgery only removes the trapped secretions and does not do anything to the size of the gland
• Surgery does not prevent another cyst from arising from another or same gland, whereas non-surgical measures help in preventing cyst recurrence

A chalazion can easily take months to reduce in size. They are harmless and can be safely left to get better with time.

The reduction in the size of the lump and when the lump be- comes 'Better felt than seen' is a sign that it is healing.

It is a good idea to monitor the lump by pictures over a period of time so that you can identify the changes over time.

Yes. In rare instances, a very large chalazion can open up on its own to discharge its secretions.

• Any redness in the white of the eye or around the eye
• Blurred vision
• Very noticeable swelling and redness that spreads

It is important to get medical help from your nearest optometrist, GP or emergency services on such occurrences.

There is some evidence that good lid hygiene, reduced eye rubbing and flaxseed have a role in minimising the recurrence of chalazion.