Chalazion

Definition: A chalazion is a bump in the eyelid caused by a blockage of an oil gland called a Meibomian gland. These glands, located near the eyelashes, produce fluid that lubricates the eye. If a Meibomian gland becomes blocked, oil inside builds up. If the gland eventually ruptures, the oil inside is released into the eyelid, causing inflammation. This resulting cyst, or lump, typically grows over several days to weeks.

Although usually painless, a chalazion can sometimes be red, warm, swollen or painful. A chalazion may disappear on its own after a few months, though treatment is sometimes necessary.

Treatment of a chalazion usually involves application of warm compresses at least 4 times per day, for 10 to 20 minutes at a time. Warm compresses are used to soften and unblock the gland, and promote draining and healing.

Sometimes a chalazion can be confused with a stye, a small bump that can appear on the outside or inside of the eyelid. Unlike styes (hordeola), a chalazion does not contain an active bacterial infection. A stye is considered to be a small abscess developed by the oil gland of an eyelash hair follicle. A stye is usually more painful and smaller in size than a chalazion.

Occasionally, styes can go on to harden and become like a chalazion.

Also Known As: Meibomian gland lipogranuloma