Chalazion
Chalazion is a cyst that is found in the eyelid. It is also known as a meibomian gland lipogranuloma. It is caused by Inflammation of a blocked Meibomian Gland and is usually found on the upper eyelid.
They are different from styes or Hordeolum – they are not chronic and are usually painless. Can be seen in both children and adults.
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Symptoms of a Chalazion
– Swelling of the eyelid
– Sensitivity to light
– Increased tearing of the eye
– Heaviness of the eyelid
Treatment for Resolution of a Chalazion
1.) Topical antibiotic eye drops
2.) Topical antibiotic ointments
3.) Will occasionally disappear without treatment
4.) Warm compress to eye
When does a Chalazion need to be Opened and Drained?
– If no improvement is seen despite treatment
– Local anesthesia is given
– A cut is made into the tissue
– Material is expressed
– Usually no scar is seen.
Surgery, a more invasive procedure, may be done in some cases:
– Same day surgery for the untreatable Chalazion
– Should be done by an Opthalmologist at an eye hospital.
– The entire Chalazion is removed
– Two ways to remove:
1.) A cut through the back of the eye lid
2.) A cut through the front of the eye lid
– A scar may be present after surgery