Chalazion

What is a Chalazion?
A Chalazion is a very common eye condition, usually characterized by swelling and/or a nodule on the eyelid. It occurs more often on the upper eyelid versus the lower eyelid. This is because the upper eyelid has more meibomian glands. Prevalence is equal between men and women.
What Causes Chalazions?
The meibomian glands are sebaceous glands located in the eyelids. They secrete lipids or oily-like substances into the tear film on the eye. This is a necessary component of the eye’s normal tear film. If the openings of the meibomian glands become obstructed, the meibomian gland secretions are blocked and build up inside the gland. They can eventually spread into the eyelid tissues, leading to an inflammatory granulomatous reaction and the formation of a lipogranuloma.
Risk Factors Associated with a Chalazion
Blepharitis
Inflammation of the eyelids
Rosacea
Poor eyelid hygiene
Diagnosis of a Chalazion
The person usually complains of gradual eyelid swelling. It may be associated with redness, inflammation, and a painful or non-painful nodule in the eyelid.
Many patients have recurrences and therefore may have a history of prior chalazions.
Examination of the eyelids will confirm the presence of a swollen eyelid and/or nodule in the eyelid. Patients may have more than one chalazion at a time on the same eyelid or different eyelids.
Other Causes of a Swollen Eyelid
Hordeolum
Insect bite
Malignant tumor
Benign tumor
Dermatitis
Treatment of Chalazions
Conservative Treatment
Conservative treatments involve using warm compresses for 15 minutes four times a day. Eyelid massage may be helpful. Eye medications such as antibiotics and corticosteroids can be used if inflammation or possible infection is present.
Other Treatments of Chalazions
Injection of a corticosteroid into the chalazion is very successful in many cases.
Tetracycline or Doxycycline given by mouth can be useful in people with recurrent chalazions.
Surgery for Chalazions
Surgery may be considered if the chalazion does not resolve with conservative treatment or if it is large and the patient desires to have it removed.
A local anesthetic is injected around the chalazion. An eyelid clamp is placed on the eyelid, and the eyelid is turned out. The surgeon makes an incision on the inside of the eyelid and uses a curette to clean out the chalazion. Pressure is applied to the eyelid after the clamp is removed. An antibiotic eye drop is prescribed for use after surgery.
Prognosis
Most patients do very well with these treatment methods, and their chalazions resolve.