A chalazion is a hard bump that forms on the eyelid.
Chalazion
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A chalazion can form when the duct leading from a gland of the eyelid becomes blocked. This gland produces an oily substance. The this oil that lubricates the margins of the eyelid and the front of the eye. When the duct becomes blocked, the oily substance can harden. This causes a chalazion to form near the edge of the eyelid. This condition can become recur.
Factors that increase your risk for a chalazion:
The initial symptom is a small swelling on the eyelid. It may look like a stye. It may or may not be painful. After a few days, the swelling on the eyelid often begins to harden. The bump grow slowly into a hard lump.
A chalazion can cause complications, though not often. Complications may include:
Your doctor will ask about your symptoms. An eye exam will be done. Rarely, a sample of fluid from the chalazion is taken and tested in a lab.
A chalazion will often disappear on its own. Treatment may include:
A warm compresses is applied to the affected eyelid several times a day. Follow with gentle massage.
Corticosteroid is injected into the chalazion. This is done by an ophthalmologist, but is rarely required. Antibiotics may also be used if a an infection develops.
An incision may be made near the chalazion to allow it to drain. The procedure is usually performed in the office with a local anesthetic. Surgery may be done if the chalazion does not respond to other treatments. It may also be considered if the chalazion is very large, grows rapidly, or causes vision problems.
If you have seborrheic dermatitis or blepharitis wash your eyelids daily with warm water and very mild soap. Baby shampoo often works well. If you have been given specific instructions by your doctor for washing your eyelids follow those instructions.
Consider applying a warm compresses to your eye at the first sign of eyelid irritation.
RESOURCES:
American Academy of Family Physicians
http://www.aafp.org
American Academy of Ophthalmology
http://www.aao.org
National Eye Institute
http://www.nei.nih.gov
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
Canadian Association of Optometrists
http://www.opto.ca/
Canadian Health Network
http://www.canadian-health-network.ca/
References:
American Optometric Association website. Available at: http://www.aoa.org/Chalazion.xml . Accessed December 28, 2012.
Chalazion. American Academy of Ophthalmology EyeSmart website. Available at: http://www.geteyesmart.org/eyesmart/diseases/chalazion-stye.cfm . Accessed December 28, 2012.
Chalazion. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://dynamed.ebscohost.com/about/about-us . Updated December 22, 2011. Accessed December 28, 2012.
Last reviewed November 2012 by Michael Woods, MD
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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