Chalazion
Chalazion Causes
Chalazions are formed when the oil produced by the meibomian gland become too thick to flow out. This oil then blocks the way out due to its growing size, but the gland continues to produce oil. Since the way out is already blocked and has nowhere else to go, the oil builds up and begins to form a lump inside. The gland then breaks open once it can no longer hold the lump from swelling. Once the oil is released into the eyelid's tissue, inflammation is thus caused bringing pain and itchiness to the patient.
Chalazion Definition
A chalazion is a cyst that grows in the eyelid caused by the inflammation of the meibomian gland. These cysts vary in styes and are usually painless until they start to swell. They eventually heal and disappear on their own after a few days or weeks, but oftentimes it needs treatment in order to heal faster.
Chalazion Symptoms and Signs
A person with a chalazion would first feel the swelling of the eyelid from a matter of days to a few weeks. The swelling is usually left unattended, until it forms a hard lump on the upper eyelid which may grow up to 1/8 of an inch. Pain and itchiness will then be felt occasionally, and are at most times annoying. The affected eyelid may also turn red.
Chalazion Treatment
A chalazion is easily treated by applying a warm compress on the affected eyelid for 10 to 20 minutes at 4 times a day. The heat brought by the compress may soften the oils and eventually clear they way for the oils to pass through. When the warm compress fails to do the job, you may apply a topical ointment or antibiotic eye drops. However, when chalazions continue to grow after a few months, the lesions may then be injected with corticosteroid or even surgically removed. If the lump is located directly under the eyelid, it is recommended to excise the chalazion from above to avoid other damages that may involve the rest of the eyelid. The excision takes only about 15 minutes and heals in a matter of days. Sometimes bruises are formed in the area where the excision took place as well as continuous swelling, but they will be gone when the excision is totally healed. It is normal for a person to experience chalazia every now and then, as the cysts reoccur after two years or whenever the oils harden up again.