---
title: What is a chalazion?
description: "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,…"
url: "https://bluefinvision.com/knowledge-base/topics/conditions-diseases/what-is-a-chalazion/"
updated: "2025-12-11"
category: "Conditions & Diseases"
---

# What is a chalazion?

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](https://bluefinvision.com/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.