Chalazion

Alternative names:

meibomian gland lipogranuloma

Treatment:

A chalazion can be treated by applying warm compresses for 10 minutes 4 times a day. This may hasten healing.

Chalazia will often disappear without treatment in a month. If one continues to enlarge, it may need to be surgically removed using local anesthesia. Antibiotic eye drops are usually used several days before and after removal of the cyst, but are otherwise of little value in treating a chalazion.

A persistent chalazion should be biopsied to rule out tumor.

Expectations (prognosis):

Chalazia usually heal on their own. The outcome is expected to be excellent with treatment.

Complications:

A large chalazion can cause astigmatism from pressure on the cornea. Affected people may develop a secondary purulent infection within the cyst itself.

Calling your health care provider:

Apply home treatment and call your health care provider if there are signs of complications.

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if lumps on the eyelid continue to enlarge.