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Chalazion

A small lump, or cyst, that develops slowly in the eyelid. It can look alarming, but it’s usually painless and rarely requires treatment.

What is a chalazion? 

A chalazion is a red, hardened lump along the eyelid which forms when the glands along the inner edge of the eyelid, the meibomian glands, become blocked. The meibomian glands produce and release oils which form part of the tear film and act to keep the front surface of the eyes healthy and moist. Some chalazia resolve with consistent use of warm compresses. Sometimes, the gland may become infected and a stye may develop. If the problem continues, the blockage needs to be treated by an optometrist or medical practitioner.

Symptoms

A chalazion will appear on either the upper or lower eyelid as a red lump or swelling.  

Sometimes it can be confused with a stye as their symptoms can be quite similar, but a chalazion will often develop over a much longer period of time, usually along the inner edge of the eyelid, where the meibomian glands are, rather than on the outer edge.   

However, in rare cases, if it’s caused by an infection, the lump may look red and can feel quite painful.

Common causes

Our eyelids are lined with many tiny glands, called meibomian glands, which produce oil to keep our eyes moist and healthy.  

A chalazion is caused when one of these glands becomes blocked. The oil inside slowly builds up into a cyst, which appears on the eyelid as a small lump and can harden or grow over time. 

Treatment

Chalazions are mostly harmless and generally resolve and disappear on their own, which could take a few months. Applying warm compresses to the eyes when closed is generally recommended as the heat and moisture will help to soften the contents of the cyst and encourage it to drain on its own.   

If an infection is present, you might need treatment with antibiotics. In some cases, your optometrist might refer you to an ophthalmologist for further attention. 

If you’re concerned that your chalazion is not going away, or if it starts to feel sore or affect your vision, you should visit your optometrist for advice.

Next steps

We want to help you see clearly and keep your eyes healthy for as long as possible. If your optometrist detects any signs of an eye condition during your comprehensive eye exam, they will determine an appropriate management plan that suits your needs.

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