CHALAZION

A chalazion is a swollen bump on the eyelid. It happens when the eyelid’s oil gland clogs up. It may start
as an internal hordeolum (stye). If the chalazion gets large, it can press on your eye and cause blurry
vision.

A chalazion often starts out as a very small red, tender, swollen area of the eyelid. In a few days, it may
change to a painless slow-growing lump the size of a pea.

Risk factors include:

 Acne rosacea
 Chronic blepharitis (inflammation of the eyelids, often from excess bacteria)
 Seborrhea
 Tuberculosis
 Viral infection

Causes

Narrowing of the opening or hardening of the sebaceous liquid near the opening can clog the narrow
opening through which a meibomian gland secretes its material. If this occurs, the gland will have a
backup of the material it secretes and the obstructed gland will swell. This leads to thickening of the
walls of the gland and leakage of oil into the lid itself, causing inflammation within both the gland and
the eyelid. This inflamed enlargement is a chalazion.

Characteristics of a chalazion:

 Painless bump or lump in the upper eyelid or, less frequently, in the lower eyelid
 Caused by a thickening of the fluid in the oil glands (meibomian glands) of the eyelid
 Tearing and mild irritation may result as the obstructed glands are needed for healthy tears
 Blurred vision, if the chalazion is large enough to press against the eyeball
 More common in adults than children; most frequently occurs in people aged 30-50
Diagnosis

 Patient history to determine symptoms and the presence of any general health problems that
may be contributing to the eye problem.
 External examination of the eye, including lid structure, skin texture and eyelash appearance.
 Evaluation of the lid margins, base of the eyelashes and oil gland openings using bright light and
magnification

THIS IS A CLINICAL DIAGNOSIS

TREATMENT

 Apply warm compresses to the eyelid for 10 to 15 minutes 4 to 6 times a day for several days.
The warm compresses may help soften the hardened oil that is blocking the ducts and allow
drainage and healing.
 Gently massage the external eyelids several minutes each day to help promote drainage. Once
the chalazion drains on its own, keep the area clean, and keep your hands away from your eyes.
 Doxycycline 100mg per week for 6 months may be given for recurring cases
 Topical steroid drops for inflammation and edema.

IN A NUTSHELL

REFERENCE: MEDSCAPE, AMERICAN SOCIETY OF OPTOMETRY, UPTODATE AK KHURANA