A chalazion is a painless or mildly tender lump in the eyelid caused by blockage and inflammation of a meibomian (oil) gland. It often follows or coexists with blepharitis.
How a Chalazion Forms
When the gland opening becomes blocked, oily secretions build up and trigger a local inflammatory response. The lump may grow over days to weeks.
- Usually felt as a firm, discrete swelling in the lid
- Can press on the cornea and blur vision if large
- More common in people with chronic lid margin disease
Management
Initial treatment includes warm compresses, lid massage, and lid hygiene. Persistent or visually significant chalazia may be drained surgically; see the oculoplastic surgery information and the Blue Fin Vision® blog on dry eye and lid disease for related advice.
Prevention
Controlling underlying blepharitis and maintaining good lid hygiene reduces the likelihood of recurrent chalazia.
