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Chalazion

Chalazion is a fairly common eye condition and usually appears as a small “bump”, sometimes with a white tip, located on the upper or lower eyelid, visible to the naked eye or perceptible to the touch.

It is an inflammation of the Meibomian glands, which are located inside the eyelid and are responsible for helping to produce tears by secreting a fatty substance.

Chalazion can present various symptoms that vary depending on the severity of the inflammation, such as:

  • swelling of the eyelid;
  • blurred vision;
  • redness of the eye;
  • reduced opening of the eyelids;
  • discomfort caused by light (photophobia).

Generally speaking, a chalazion is not painful, unless it becomes very large and particularly inflamed.

A specific cause of chalazion has not yet been identified, but its occurrence can be encouraged by an unhealthy diet (rich in sausages, cheese, sweets, etc.) or - especially in children - by uncorrected vision defects.

In addition, it has been observed that the likelihood of developing a chalazion increases for people with eyelid problems (such as blepharitis) or dermatological problems (such as acne rosacea or eczema of the skin).

In susceptible persons, a chalazion may also be recurrent and occur at the same time as other chalazions (chalaziosis).

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Diagnosis

If you suspect the presence of a chalazion, it is advisable to seek a diagnosis from your general practitioner or a specialist, the ophthalmologist, who will be able to indicate the best course of action.

In its early stages, chalazion could be confused with stye. Unlike stye, however, chalazion is initially painless.

Treatment

In some cases, the chalazion may resolve spontaneously within a few weeks, without the need for any treatment.

To aid drainage of the blocked gland and promote healing, warm, moist compresses can be applied several times a day with a cotton wool pad soaked in warm water or with commercially available warming wipes, massaging gently for 5-10 minutes. In any case, it is important never to squeeze the chalazion or rub the eyelid violently.

If the chalazion does not heal on its own, your doctor may prescribe antibiotic and cortisone ointments or eye drops.

In the case of chalaziosis, once any visual defects have been ruled out or corrected, it may be useful to combine a healthy diet and the intake of lactic ferments.

Surgical treatment, carried out by an eye surgeon, is only recommended in certain special cases.

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