Chalazion treatments

Also named as Meibomian gland lipogranuloma, chalazion is one of the common eyelid problems. This ocular problem usually appears in the form of benign, painless bump or cyst inside the eyelid. More exactly, chalazia are subacute, nontender, and painless nodules, so that they are different from styles. In addition, chalazion differs from stye in the fact that it can become acutely inflamed out but usually point inside the eyelid.

Different forms of chalazia

Chalazion contains pus and blocked fatty secretions, which can no longer drain out without an external interference. Most of the chalazia can drain out after periodic warm compresses and eyelid massaging. Severe chalazia will persist for several weeks and affect facial appearance. Large chalazia can also press on the cornea and lead to potential irregular eye surface.

Typical symptoms and possible reasons

There are no testified reasons for chalazia, although they occur more commonly in people with blepharitis and rosacea. Rosacea may occur on eyelids, conjunctiva, cornea and sclera. Rosacea always brings redness and swollen bumps on the affected parts. In addition, chalazia have some other typical symptoms, e.g. swelling on the eyelid, eyelid tenderness, sensitivity to light, increased tearing, heaviness of the eyelid. It is even said that folks with chalazion are more likely to develop osteoarthritis.

Various treatments for different forms of chalazia

Tiny chalazia may clear up after a few days. However, most chalazia require an external intervention. Chalazia are not infectious, so that topical and oral antibiotics are usually ineffective in treating them. The simplest way to treat chalazia is to use warm compresses, in order to promote the drainage from the eye’s blocked oil gland.

Different conditions of chalazia require various treatments. Doxycycline, tetracycline and minocycline are always prescribed to treat blepharitis. For persistent chalazia, the doctor may conduct a simple in-office surgery to excise them. And another treatment consists of making a small incision and clearing the chalazia’ contents. Along with side effects, the procedure of injecting corticosteroid can improve the eye’s drainage.