OPHTHALMIC CONDITIONS
Chalazion
A small «ball» on the eyelid that can gradually grow larger
What exactly is a chalazion?
A chalazion is an inflammation (a retention cyst with significant irritation) of the eyelid and it is located in the oil – secreting glands (meibomian glands), found at the eyelid margin. Μost of the time it appears on the upper eyelid. The eyelid becomes swollen, reddened, and uncomfortable, causing irritation. On the surface it feels like a small «ball» that can gradually grow larger. It is often confused with a stye (barley), but it is a different condition.
What are the main symptoms of a chalazion?
The main symptoms are the following:
Pain (localized discomfort)
Redness (flushing)
Swelling of the eyelid (edema)
Palpation of a lump
What are the risk factors for developing a chalazion?
The major risk factors include:
Chronic blepharitis
Infection with inflammation of the eyelids
Viral infection
Rosacea
Tuberculosis
Seborrheic dermatitis
How can we treat a chalazion?
The primary treatment options for this ophthalmic condition are:
Warm compresses
Warm applications
Artificial – synthetic tears
Ophthalmic ointment (antibiotic and corticosteroid)
Surgical intervention (usually, a large chalazion may not respond to any of the aforementioned treatments, thus surgical removal is required. This is a minor routine procedure performed under local anesthesia and durates only a few minutes
How can we differentiate a chalazion from a stye (barley)?
Many people confuse a chalazion with a stye (barley) because in both conditions we are describing a red, uncomfortable lump on the eyelid. A stye is an infection of the eyelash follicle and forms on the inner (nasal) part of the eyelid margin. A chalazion results from a reaction to blocked oil secretions and appears away from the eyelid margin.
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