What Is a Chalazion?
A chalazion is typically a small, painless lump or swelling that occurs on the eyelid, which is caused by inflammation or blockage in the glands of your eyelid that produce oil.
A chalazion is typically a small, painless lump or swelling that occurs on the eyelid, which is caused by inflammation or a blockage in the glands of your eyelid that produce oil. The lump or swelling can develop on a person’s upper or lower eyelid and may disappear without treatment. A chalazion, like a sty, involves swelling within the eyelid caused by inflammation of an oil gland. Still, the critical difference between a chalazion and a stye is that it does not contain an active bacterial infection and is often not painful.
What Causes a Chalazion?
A chalazion is caused by a blockage in tiny oil glands in the eye that help to moisten the eyes, called meibomian glands. They are often associated with inflammatory conditions such as seborrhea, acne, rosacea, chronic blepharitis, and others. The lump or swelling can also occur after a sty, or as an aftereffect of a bacterial infection around the eye’s lid or eyelash root. Extreme or recurrent cases of chalazia may be associated with other more severe conditions, but these cases are rare.
How Long Does a Chalazion Last?
While a sty may only take a week or two to resolve, a chalazion will generally take a month or more. Your eye doctor can recommend some treatments to help resolve the case sooner.
How to Get Rid of a Chalazion?
There are several options when it comes to deciding how to get rid of chalazion. Your doctor can assess and recommend the best choice for your case.
For some minor cases, applying warm compresses for a few minutes a day can help styes or a chalazion heal faster. Your eye doctor may also recommend prescription antibiotics or corticosteroid injection. If the lump or swelling does not go away by six-weeks time, it may be removed through a surgical procedure. Each is an effective treatment, and your doctor will explain the potential risks and benefits of each.
What to Expect After Chalazion Surgery?
After chalazion surgery, you will need to follow your doctor’s instructions, which may be to take prescribed antibiotics or apply a steroid ointment for a short time. You may also require eye pads or an eye patch to protect your eye.
You may experience some swelling or bruise around your eye, as well as leakage of fluid for a few days. A cold compress after surgery may reduce swelling. Avoid rubbing or touching your eyes, wearing contacts/makeup, or getting water in your eyes for one month.
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