Have you noticed – or has someone pointed out – a red bump or swelling on your eyelid? It could be a chalazion. Don’t be alarmed: chalazion comes from the Greek word for lump, so it’s simply another way of saying you have an eyelid cyst.
If you have a chalazion, it means certain glands in your eyelid releasingoil to help keep your eyes moist have become clogged, resulting in inflammation in that spot. In such a case, ask a qualified ophthalmologist if it might be a chalazion. There are many chalazion treatment options available to you, so choosing the one appropriate for your situation is critical.
Let’s talk about the treatment options available for chalazion and where you can go for effective chalazion treatment in South Florida.
Why You Should See an Ophthalmologist
Chalazia are very common, but it’s important to see an ophthalmologist about it. There are multiple reasons for this.
First, you’ll need an eye disease specialist to confirm it is, in fact, a chalazion. Chalazia are sometimes confused with other eye conditions, such as a sty, typically caused by a bacterial infection and may require a different treatment. If you have a chalazion, you may have an increased risk of developing blepharitis – or vice versa. Blepharitis is a chronic eyelid inflammation most commonly caused by a bacterial infection or seborrheic dermatitis, an inflammatory skin condition. Skin cancer tumors also develop on the eyelid and look like a chalazion or sty to the untrained eye.
Second, only an eye disease specialist like an ophthalmologist can most appropriately diagnose and treat conditions or diseases that affect your eye. Your chalazion treatment options are tailored toyour unique situation and often include a combination of therapeutic approaches, depending on the location and severity of your chalazion.
Third, significant swelling can increase pressure in the eye and lead to vision problems. Any type of issue that might affect your vision is worth seeing the right kind of eye doctor about. Other potential complications of chalazia include cosmetic deformity of the eye, loss of eyelashes, and more.
Conservative Chalazion Treatment Options
Warm compresses are the usual first-line treatment for chalazia because it works. A simple at-home routine includes wetting a small towel or face cloth with warm water, then wringing it out. Applying a warm, moist compress like this over the eyes for 5-10 minutes at a time, at least 4 times a day can help a chalazion heal faster. Although the warmth may exacerbate swelling, it also loosens the clogged oil glands, helping the glands to become unstuck gradually. Be sure to follow your ophthalmologist’s recommendations regarding the use of any eye compresses.
Medicated eye drops or ointments are another tried-and-true chalazion treatment option. If a bacterial infection is suspected or with recurring or difficult-to-treat chalazia,the medication prescribed may work by reducing inflammation or may include an antibiotic.
Don’t despair if you don’t see immediate results – it can take up to a month for a chalazion to clear up.
What Not to Do
Whatever you do, don’t try to squeeze or pop a chalazion. You only increase the risk of infection and make the situation worse. Don’t wear eye makeup (which increases the risk of further irritating or inflaming the area), and stay away from using contact lenses until the chalazion has healed. Keep the area clean and try not to touch your eyes, especially not without first washing your hands. This is important even after the chalazion clears up.
More Aggressive Forms of Treatment for Chalazia
If conservative therapies have not worked after several weeks, your ophthalmologist may recommend either draining the chalazion, a steroid injection to reduce swelling, or surgically removing it. When the latter is advised, it is often done from the inside of the eyelid to avoid any noticeable scars.
Eyelid Cyst Treatment in South Florida
If you have noticed a red bump on your eyelid, seek medical treatment from theboard-certified ophthalmologist Dr. Karp at Miramar Eye Institute in Miramar, Florida. Our practice is a state-of-the-art clinic that provides the highest level of healthcare. From our equipment to our friendly staff, we incorporate the latest technologies to provide an improved patient experience.To know more, call us todayat (954) 437-4316 or request your appointment now.