A chalazion is a common eye condition, medically known as a chalazion. It is caused by blocked sebaceous glands in the eyelid and usually presents as a painless swelling. Unlike a stye, also known as a hordeolum, a chalazion is more of a chronic inflammatory condition.
The affected eye may appear irritated, although the chalazion itself often does not cause severe pain. A palpable lump forms, particularly on the eyelid, which can be cosmetically bothersome. The causes are usually a blockage of the Meibomian glands or impaired secretion drainage. Home remedies such as warm compresses can aid in healing. In some cases, however, targeted treatment by an ophthalmologist is necessary.
Definition: Chalazion
A chalazion develops when the ducts of the sebaceous glands in the upper or lower eyelid (Meibomian glands, Zeis glands) become blocked. This leads to a buildup of secretions.
The sebum leaks into the surrounding tissue, triggering a foreign body reaction. Medical professionals describe a chalazion as a chronic inflammation resulting from a foreign body reaction, followed by the formation of scar tissue.
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The tissue of the upper or lower eyelid has “encapsulated” the inflamed area and discarded it as cellular debris. This is a granulomatous tissue reaction involving giant cells in response to the trapped secretions of the Meibomian or Zeis sebaceous glands. The giant cells essentially attempt to “eat away” at the waxy secretions. If the stye breaks through to the conjunctiva, a pedunculated, broad-based giant chalazion forms.
Causes of a chalazion
A chalazion can be caused by blepharitis (inflammation of the eyelid margin) or rosacea. Bacteria are not the cause of a chalazion. In contrast, they are the cause of a stye.
A stye is a painful, acute infection caused by staphylococci. A chalazion is not painful. The pain from a stye radiates to the surrounding facial area.
Symptoms of a chalazion
Unlike a stye, a chalazion is hardly painful. It feels like a small, slightly movable lump under the skin of the upper or lower eyelid. A chalazion usually persists for months before the person notices it and disappears on its own only after several months.
Diagnosis of a chalazion
An ophthalmologist can easily diagnose a chalazion using a slit lamp. In rare cases, a chalazion may conceal a sebaceous gland or sweat gland carcinoma. This occurs more frequently in Southeast Asia. Therefore, doctors should have any recurrent chalazion examined microscopically.
Treatment of a chalazion
Treatment involves doctors heating the encapsulated Meibomian gland (chalazion) to 40 to 45 degrees. This liquefies the waxy, solid secretions, causing them to melt.
In many cases, this causes the chalazion to shrink and heal. Additionally, patients can use antiseptic ointments, such as Posiformin eye ointment, to speed up healing.
If these measures do not help and you want to get rid of the chalazion, a doctor must remove it. This is done by scraping out the chalazion with a sharp spoon. To do this, the doctor makes an incision on the inside of the eyelid. They also remove the chalazion’s capsule with scissors.
Medication for a Chalazion
Various eye ointments are available for medical treatment, including Posiformin eye ointment, Gentamycin eye ointment, and Isopto-Max eye ointment.
Prognosis for a chalazion
In 80 percent of cases, the chalazion heals within 1 to 2 weeks with the following steps:
- Heat (10 minutes of red light therapy, a compress warmed to 40 degrees)
- Antiseptic ointment and
- Gentle massage with your fingertip
If the chalazion does not heal after several weeks, you can have it surgically removed.
Conclusion
A chalazion is a usually harmless but often bothersome change in the eyelid caused by a blockage of secretions in the sebaceous glands of the eyelid. A chalazion typically appears as a swollen lump on the eyelid that can develop over several weeks or even weeks to months. Unlike a stye, a chalazion is often caused by a bacterial infection and is contagious, whereas a chalazion is more of a chronic inflammatory condition.
Causes and risk factors include, among others, blocked Meibomian and Zeis glands, skin conditions such as acne, and diabetes mellitus. The eyelids—whether upper or lower—are particularly affected, and a typical swelling may develop on the eyelid, possibly accompanied by redness and an uncomfortable feeling of pressure. This can put pressure on the eyeball, which may slightly impair vision, even though the affected eye usually remains functional.
Home remedies such as warm compresses can help the stye heal. It is important not to try to pop a stye yourself, as this can damage the surrounding tissue. In some cases, particularly with larger styes, surgical intervention involving a small incision under local anesthesia is necessary. During this procedure, the secretion is removed to promote healing.
Diagnosis is usually clinical, occasionally involving the conjunctiva or other structures such as the tear film. Factors such as wearing contact lenses or chronic irritation can contribute to its development. Overall, a stye is a chronic inflammation of the sebaceous glands on the eyelid that is easily treatable. Anyone who notices symptoms of a stye should seek treatment early to avoid complications and support the healing process.
FAQ
What is a chalazion and how does it develop?
A chalazion develops due to blocked sebaceous glands in the eyelid. The secretion can no longer drain, leading to chronic inflammation with a painless lump on the eye.
What is the difference between a chalazion and a stye?
A stye (hordeolum) is usually caused by bacteria and is painful, while a chalazion is generally painless and not acutely infectious. Both affect the eyelid but differ in cause and progression.
How can a chalazion be treated?
A chalazion is often treated with warm compresses to open the blocked glands. Ointments or eye drops may be used as a supplement. In rare cases, a minor surgical procedure is necessary.
Is a chalazion contagious?
A chalazion is generally not contagious, as there is no acute bacterial infection. In contrast, a stye can be contagious.
When should you see an ophthalmologist for a chalazion?
If the swelling around the eye persists for several weeks, gets larger, or impairs your vision, you should see an ophthalmologist. It’s also a good idea to get it checked out if you have recurring chalazions.
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