A chalazion is a small, typically painless lump that forms on the eyelid when a meibomian gland becomes blocked. These glands are responsible for producing the oily layer of your tear film, and when they become clogged, the gland can become swollen, resulting in a chalazion. Unlike a stye, chalazions are usually not caused by an infection but by blocked oil glands.
Chalazions are primarily caused by a blockage in the meibomian glands located in the eyelids. This blockage can occur due to excessive oil production, poor eyelid hygiene, or inflammation of the eyelid. Conditions such as blepharitis, rosacea, or diabetes may increase the likelihood of developing a chalazion. Additionally, poor hygiene habits or rubbing the eyes can also contribute to this condition.
The main symptom of a chalazion is a painless lump on the eyelid, which can vary in size. In some cases, it may cause mild irritation or swelling around the affected area. If the chalazion becomes infected, symptoms can include pain, redness, and warmth, along with the development of pus. The lump may grow in size over time if left untreated, leading to more noticeable discomfort.
Chalazions typically resolve on their own within a few weeks, but there are treatments available to speed up healing. Applying warm compresses to the affected area can help soften the blocked oil. If the chalazion does not go away or becomes painful, an eye doctor may recommend draining it surgically or with a needle. In some cases, steroid injections may also be used to reduce inflammation.
A warm compress is one of the most effective home treatments for a chalazion. The heat helps to loosen the hardened oil inside the meibomian gland, allowing it to drain more easily. To apply a warm compress, soak a clean cloth in warm water, wring out the excess water, and place the cloth over the eyelid for 10 to 15 minutes, several times a day. This method can alleviate symptoms and help reduce the size of the lump.
In most cases, chalazions can be treated at home with warm compresses, but medical attention may be required if the lump does not improve or becomes increasingly painful. Seek medical help if the chalazion causes vision problems, affects your eye’s appearance, or is accompanied by excessive swelling, redness, or pus. An eye doctor may recommend professional treatment, including draining or corticosteroid injections.
To prevent recurrent chalazions, maintaining proper eyelid hygiene is key. This includes gently cleaning your eyelids daily to remove oil and debris. If you wear makeup, make sure to remove it thoroughly before sleeping. Additionally, people with conditions like blepharitis or rosacea should follow their doctor’s recommendations for managing these underlying issues, as they can increase the likelihood of developing chalazions.
While both chalazions and styes are lumps that form on the eyelid, they differ in their causes and characteristics. A stye is an infection of the oil glands near the eyelash follicles, often painful and swollen, whereas a chalazion is typically a non-infected blockage of the meibomian glands. Styes usually cause more pain and redness than chalazions, and while a stye may resolve with proper care, chalazions might require drainage if they persist or become problematic.
