Chalazion (Lump in Eyelid)

Chalazion Overview

A chalazion is a lump in the eyelid that is caused by inflammation of a gland within the skin. Typically, this lump grows over days to weeks and is occasionally red, warm, or painful.

The gland involved in the formation of a chalazion is a modified sweat gland that lies within the eyelid. This gland produces oil. When this gland becomes blocked, it can rupture and the inflammation process begins.

• Inflammation is a process in which the body reacts to a condition and produces a biologic reaction. This reaction can cause swelling, redness, pain, or warmth.

• A chalazion is not a sty. A sty can resemble a chalazion in the sense that it is also a lump in the eyelid. However, a sty involves glands and eyelash hair follicles that are closer to the skin surface of the eyelid. In addition, a sty is usually more painful and looks infected.

Chalazion Causes

A chalazion is caused by the oil in the gland becoming too thick to flow out of the gland. This oil that is too thick blocks up the gland, but the gland still produces more oil.

Without anywhere to go, the oil builds up inside the gland and forms a lump in the eyelid. Eventually, the gland ruptures (breaks open) and releases the oil into the tissue of the eyelid, causing inflammation.

Chalazion Symptoms

• Swelling of the upper eyelid may occur gradually over weeks. The condition rarely involves the lower eyelid.
• A chalazion appears as a localized hard lump that may grow as large as an eighth of an inch.
• Occasionally, you may feel pain and your eyelid may be red.

When to Seek Medical Care

You should call your ophthalmologist (a medical doctor who specializes in eye care and surgery) for an appointment if eyelid redness or swelling does not improve with warm towel compresses in 3-4 days.

You should contact your ophthalmologist immediately if you have frequent bouts of eyelid swelling or if you experience any of the following:

• Fever

• Headache

• Any visual changes (eg, blurred vision, decreased ability to see)

• Eye pain or drainage

• Extensive swelling or redness

• If both the upper eyelid and the lower eyelid of one eye are swollen

• If both eyes are swollen

Seek medical assistance at a hospital's emergency department if you have any of the above symptoms and cannot reach your ophthalmologist.

Questions to Ask the Doctor

• What causes a chalazion?
  
  
• How is a chalazion treated?

Exams and Tests

Your ophthalmologist takes a medical history and performs a physical examination. The examination includes an inspection of the back of the eyelid and the eye itself. The ophthalmologist also tests your vision.

If the swelling has lasted more than a few weeks, your ophthalmologist may recommend surgery to remove the chalazion.