Do you have a small, firm, painless lump within your eyelid? You might be having chalazion. Chalazion, or meibomian cyst, is a small lump or swelling on your eyelid that can be mistaken for styes initially because it can cause some discomfort or mild pain initially. However, unlike styes, chalazion becomes painless after some time. Chalazia (singular chalazion) is more common in adults between the ages of 30 and 50.
Let’s learn more about chalazion, including its causes, symptoms, and treatment options, and where you go for the treatment of chalazion in South Florida.
Causes of Chalazia
Our eyes have meibomian glands, otherwise known as tarsal glands, within our eyelids near the lashes. These glands produce a thin, oily lubricant that prevents the evaporation of tear films and keeps our eyes moist.
Chalazia most commonly develop when something blocks a small oil gland in the eyelid. When blocked, an eye gland begins retaining oils and swells. When the fluid drains, a hard lump is formed on your eyelid.
Besides blocked eye glands, chalazia can be caused by the following.
- Rosacea (a type of skin condition that causes acne and redness)
- Seborrheic dermatitis (a skin condition that is characterized by red, dry, flaky, and itchy skin)
- Viral infections
- Chronic blepharitis (chronic inflammation of eyelids)
Low vitamin A levels, smoking, gut inflammation, and demodicosis (Demodex mite infestation) can increase the risk of chalazia.
Symptoms of Chalazia
The primary sign and symptom of chalazion is a small, hard lump inside the upper eyelid. Occasionally, chalazion can also form on the lower eyelid. Besides lump, you may notice the following symptoms:
- Mild irritation that may cause your eyes to water.
- Blurry vision if the chalazion is large and is pushing on the eyeball.
- Redness, swelling, and pain if an infection is present.
Treatment Options for Chalazia
Most times, chalazia can go away in a month or less with at-home treatments. Other times, it requires medical care from an ophthalmologist.
At-home treatments for chalazia include:
- Warm compress. Apply a warm compress on a chalazion and hold the compress for at least 15 minutes. Do this at least three times a day to help open the blocked oil glands.
- Massage. Massaging your eyelid a few times a day can also help open the blocked oil glands.
- Good hygiene. Do not wear makeup while you have chalazia. Never push on or try to pop a chalazion to prevent eye injury.
If a chalazion does not respond well to at-home treatments, persists over the past week or two, becomes bigger, or is unsightly, your ophthalmologist may recommend the following treatment options.
- Cortisone injection to reduce swelling and inflammation.
- Medications like antibiotics if an infection is suspected.
- Surgical procedure to remove the chalazion.
Chalazion Treatment in South Florida
If you have a chalazion and are looking for high-quality medical treatment from a board-certified ophthalmologist, look no further than our highly trained and skilled ophthalmologist, Dr. Karp, at Miramar Eye Institute in Miramar, Florida. From an eye cyst like a chalazion to complex eye problems like diabetic retinopathy, Dr. Karp can diagnose and treat a comprehensive range of eye conditions. We use state-of-the-art equipment and innovative techniques to perform eye surgeries like LASIK, PKR, refractive lens exchange, cataract surgery, and much more.
To know more or to schedule a one-on-one consultation with our ophthalmologists, call us today at (954) 437-4316 or fill out our online appointment request form.