Sarcoidosis: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatment

What Is A Chalazion? Identification And Treatment

A chalazion is a small, slow-growing lump or cyst that develops within the eyelid. A chalazion bump may clear up on its own, and home remedies can help with healing. Medical treatments may be necessary in some cases.

A chalazion can develop when a meibomian gland at the edge of an eyelid becomes blocked or inflamed. These glands produce oil that lubricates the surface of the eye.

In this article, we look at the symptoms of a chalazion and the differences between a chalazion and a stye. We also describe causes, home treatment, when to see a doctor, surgery, and prevention.

In the early stages, a chalazion appears as a small, inflamed area of the eyelid. Within a few days, this inflammation can develop into a painless and slow-growing lump.

A chalazion can appear on the upper or lower eyelid, but they are more common on the upper lid. Although chalazia are generally painless, they can cause the eye to become watery and mildly irritated.

A particularly large chalazion may press on the eyeball, which can lead to blurry vision. This condition usually does not cause pain or swelling of the whole eyelid.

People sometimes confuse a chalazion with a stye due to similarities in appearance. Although people sometimes use the two terms interchangeably, they refer to different types of lesions that appear around the eye.

A chalazion results from a blocked oil gland, whereas a stye, or hodeolum, indicates an infected oil gland or hair follicle.

There are two ways a stye can develop. An external hordeolum occurs at the base of the eyelash. An internal hordeolum develops deeper inside the eyelid.

The most noticeable difference between a chalazion and a stye is that a chalazion tends to be painless. A stye usually hurts and may cause the eye to feel sore and scratchy. Other symptoms of a stye can include:

a painful lump that may cause the whole eyelid to swell

a small spot of pus, similar to that of a pimple, at the center

crustiness along the edge of the eyelid

a sensation that something is in the eye

sensitivity to light

eye watering

Most external hordeola increase in size for around 2–4 days before they burst and the pus drains. However, not every stye bursts during healing. They usually take around 1 week to heal, which is faster than some chalazia.

Learn more about styes and their treatment.

Chalazia often occur in people with underlying inflammatory conditions that affect the eyes or skin, such as:

chronic blepharitis

acne rosacea

seborrheic dermatitis

meibomian gland dysfunction

Less commonly, chalazia develop due to viral conjunctivitis or tuberculosis. Rarely, sebaceous cell carcinoma can masquerade as recurring chalazia.

Individuals who have had a stye or chalazion have an increased risk of developing chalazia in the future.

A chalazion usually requires very little medical treatment and tends to clear up on its own within a few weeks. In the meantime, it is important to avoid squeezing or popping the chalazion, as this can increase the risk of an eye infection.

There are several safe ways to promote drainage and speed up the healing process. These include:

Warm compresses

Applying a warm compress to the affected eye can help soften any hardened oil blocking the gland ducts. This helps the ducts open and drain more effectively, which can relieve irritation.

To make and use a warm compress:

Soak a soft, clean cloth or cotton pad in a bowl of warm water.

Wring out any excess liquid.

Apply the damp cloth or pad to the eyelid for 10–15 minutes.

Continue wetting the compress often to keep it warm.

Repeat this several times a day until the swelling goes down.

Use a clean cloth or new cotton pad for each compress — do not reuse them.

Gentle massage

Gently massaging the eyelids for several minutes each day may help the oil ducts drain more effectively. Before trying this technique, apply a warm compress according to the above instructions. Then, wash the hands thoroughly to ensure they are clean. This reduces the risk of infection.

Gently massage the eyelid with the fingers for several minutes, and repeat daily until the chalazion begins to drain. Once this starts, keep the area clean and avoid touching it.

Over-the-counter treatments

A number of over-the-counter products can help treat a chalazion or stye. These may reduce irritation or prevent infection while it heals. Some of these products include ointments, solutions, and medicated eye pads. A pharmacist can provide advice.

Things to avoid

To prevent further discomfort or irritation, it is best to avoid wearing eye makeup or contact lenses until the chalazion heals. Avoid touching the eye area with the hands unless it is necessary.

For a person with a severe or persistent chalazion, a doctor may recommend surgery to drain it. This typically takes place in the doctor's office using local anesthesia. They will lance the lump to remove the fluid and allow the eyelid to heal. Do not try to do this at home.

Chalazia can sometimes recur. If this happens often, the doctor may need to take a biopsy of the lump. A biopsy involves removing a small tissue sample, which the doctor will examine for signs of a more serious condition.

Doctors can also provide corticosteroid injections to treat chalazia, which reduces inflammation.

A chalazion can become infected if bacteria get inside the oil gland. This is when a chalazion becomes a stye. If this happens, the lump may become painful and more swollen. A doctor can provide antibiotic ointment, drops, or oral tablets for styes.

If the infection spreads to the surrounding skin or the eye itself, this is an emergency. Eye infections can spread quickly and damage eyesight if left untreated.

Contact an eye doctor if a chalazion does not drain and heal within 1 month. The doctor will ask about symptoms and examine the area to rule out other conditions.

For some people, a doctor may give a steroid injection to reduce swelling. This will depend on the location, size, and number of chalazia present. Very large chalazia may need lancing. Do not try to do this at home.

If there are signs of a bacterial infection, such as pain or soreness, speak with an eye doctor. They may recommend an antibiotic ointment or a course of oral antibiotics. If any of the following symptoms occur, seek immediate help:

severe pain or swelling

swelling that is spreading rapidly

changes in eyesight

double vision

painful eye movement

fever

It is not always possible to prevent a chalazion. To reduce the chances, it is best to:

not rub the eyes

wash the hands before touching the eyes, e.G., to insert contact lenses

protect the eyes from dust and air pollution by wearing sunglasses or safety goggles

keep the eyelids clean with special cleansers for the eyes, removing all eye makeup before sleep

replace eye makeup, such as mascara, every 3 months to prevent bacterial growth

avoid sharing items that touch the eyes, such as towels or washcloths, with others

If a person often gets chalazia due to blepharitis, they should also gently cleanse the eye area daily with specialized eyelid cleansers. People can also use premoistened cleansing wipes or special eyelid scrubs.

A chalazion is a painless lump that can develop on the eyelid. Although chalazia can cause irritation and discomfort, they are usually harmless and clear up on their own within a few weeks.

Occasionally, a chalazion may become infected. See an eye doctor, an optometrist, or an ophthalmologist if the eye area becomes particularly swollen or painful or if the chalazion does not respond to home treatment.

Eyelid Bumps: Causes, Symptoms And Treatment To Soothe Eye Infections

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Eyelid Bumps: Causes, Symptoms And Treatment to Soothe Eye Infections

Eyelid bumps are often harmless and don't always require medical treatment. But if eyelid bump becomes increasingly painful, and doesn't respond to natural treatments, then one such consult to an eye doctor immediately. Eyelid Bumps: Causes, Symptoms And Treatment to Soothe Eye Infections

Eyelid bumps are painful, red bumps at the edge of the eyelid, typically where the lashes meet the lid. Bacteria or blockage in the eyelid's oil glands cause more eyelid bumps. It can be both uncomfortable and concerning, often causing irritation and impacting one's overall well-being. Understanding symptoms and causes and getting an approachable treatment are crucial steps towards finding relief and maintaining eye health.

Types of Eyelid Bumps

According to Healthline, there are 3 types of common eyelid bumps:

StyesA stye is the most common type of eyelid bump. Styes occur when bacteria get into the oil glands of the eyelids. A stye is a round, red bump that appears close to your eyelashes.

ChalazionA chalazion is an inflammatory lesion that occurs when the oil-producing glands or tear glands in the eyelids become blocked. A chalazion usually grows further on your eyelid than a stye.

XanthelasmaXanthelasma are harmless yellow bumps that occur when fats build up underneath the skin. They most commonly affect people ages 35 to 55 years old.

Causes

Styes, small red bumps on the eyelid, are commonly caused by a bacterial infection, often due to the bacteria.

Blocked Oil Glands: Chalazia occur when oil glands in the eyelid become blocked, leading to the development of a bump.

Poor Hygiene: Touching the eyes with dirty hands or using expired eye makeup can introduce bacteria and lead to eyelid bumps.

Blepharitis: Chronic inflammation of the eyelids, known as blepharitis, can result in the formation of bumps.

Symptoms

Most eyelid bumps appear as red or skin-coloured bumps, typically along the edge of the eyelid. Other symptoms include:

Redness or Swelling

Pain or Tenderness

Watering Eyes

Sensitivity to Light

Blisters on eyelids, which can indicate an infection

Treatment

Apply a warm compress to the affected eyelid for 10-15 minutes several times a day can help reduce inflammation and encourage drainage

Clean the eyelids properly to prevent bacterial growth and maintain hygiene.

Antibiotic treatment or eye drops may be advised by the doctor to prevent bacterial infection.

Avoid squeezing or attempting to pop the bump, as this may affect the condition or lead to the spread of the infection.

Surgery may be considered for persistent or large bumps, performed by an eye care doctor.

'I'm A Pharmacist - Here Are Five Things Your Eyes Can Tell You About Your Health'

It's often said the eyes are the window to the soul, but they could also be an indicator of what's going on with your health.

Nyrah Salem, a London based pharmacist and prescriber, listed five things in the eyes to look out for, and what they could mean.

Eyelid twitching

Also known as myokymia, eye twitching is very common and can involve either the upper or lower eyelid. The twitching can range from barely noticeable to irritating.

Nyrah said common causes include stress, caffeine and fatigue.

Bacterial conjunctivitis

If you have bacterial conjunctivitis your eyes may appear red and sore, and you may have discharge in the morning.

It's a bacterial infection that can be caused by infection or allergies. It can be passed from person to person, but it's not usually serious.

Nyrah said: "It usually gets better in a couple of weeks without treatment but you can buy chloramphenicol eye drops over the counter."

Stye

A stye is a small, painful lump on or inside the eyelid or around the eye.

They're common, and Nyrah said they usually clear up on their own within one or two weeks. To treat styes she advised applying a warm compress.

Xanthelasma

This is a yellow growth that appears on or by the corners of the eyelids.

These are cholesterol deposits that build up under the skin. This can happen due to high cholesterol or diabetes, said Nyrah.

Jaundice

Jaundice is when your skin or the whites of your eyes turn yellow.

This is commonly seen in liver disease, said Nyrah. Other causes may include gallstones, hepatitis, and pancreatitis.

Visit your pharmacist or optician if you are concerned about any of these symptoms, Nyrah finished.

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