Chalazion
What is a Chalazion?
A chalazion is an often painful, inflammatory lump on the eyelid that results from the blockage of an oil-secreting Meimobian gland.
It often starts as a small lump that quickly increases in size. The contents of a chalazion include blocked fatty secretions (lipids) that normally help spread the tear film evenly and reduce evaporation. A chalazion will often resolve with warm compresses and gentle massage of the eyelid.
Treatment of Chalazion
For a new onset chalazion, it is important to carefully use hot compresses and massage the area at least 3 times daily for the first 4 weeks following onset, or until the lump goes away.
However, a chalazion may become secondarily infected, and this is often associated with increased surrounding redness. The lump may feel warm and tender to touch. In these cases, antibiotic therapy may be required.
When is Surgical Drainage needed?
Some chalazion may persist for longer than 4-6 weeks. If this occurs, scar tissue fibrous bands often begin to form, and the chalazion is unlikely to remove completely without surgical incision and drainage.
Our specialists are able to assess your chalazion, and recommend treatment based on the clinical appearance. If indicated, surgical incision and drainage can be performed on the same day in the procedure room in our clinic, using local anaesthetic.
