How do you know if a chalazion is healing. What are the signs of chalazion improvement. When should you seek medical attention for a chalazion. What are effective home remedies for chalazion treatment. How long does it take for a chalazion to fully drain. Can chalazia be prevented.

Understanding Chalazia: Causes and Symptoms

A chalazion is a lump on the eyelid resulting from inflammation, typically caused by clogged oil glands near the base of the eyelashes or within the inner eyelid. While often confused with styes, chalazia are generally painless but may cause irritation. These lumps usually resolve on their own within a few weeks, but understanding their nature and progression is crucial for effective management.

What causes a chalazion?

Chalazia form when meibomian glands, which produce oils for tear film, become blocked. This blockage leads to a buildup of oil, resulting in inflammation and swelling. Factors contributing to chalazion formation include:

• Poor eyelid hygiene
• Skin conditions like rosacea or seborrheic dermatitis
• Hormonal changes
• Certain medications
• Chronic blepharitis (eyelid inflammation)

Common symptoms of chalazia

Identifying a chalazion is crucial for proper treatment. Common symptoms include:

• A painless, firm lump on the eyelid
• Swelling of the affected area
• Mild tenderness
• Increased tearing
• Blurred vision (if the chalazion is large enough to press on the eyeball)
• Difficulty wearing contact lenses

Recognizing the Signs of Chalazion Healing

As a chalazion heals, several changes occur that indicate improvement. Monitoring these signs can help you gauge the effectiveness of your treatment and determine if additional medical intervention is necessary.

Size reduction and drainage

One of the primary indicators of chalazion healing is a reduction in size. As the contents of the lump slowly drain, the chalazion becomes smaller and less noticeable. While it’s challenging to measure the exact volume of a chalazion at home, you can track its progress by taking regular photos and comparing the horizontal width over time.

Improvement in associated symptoms

As the chalazion heals, you may notice improvements in related symptoms:

• Reduced eye irritation
• Improved tear production
• Better vision (if previously affected)
• Decreased swelling
• Less tenderness in the affected area

Changes in appearance and texture

A healing chalazion may become harder to locate or feel inside the eyelid. The skin around the affected area may also appear less inflamed and return to its normal color.

Home Remedies and Conservative Treatments for Chalazia

Conservative treatments are often effective in promoting chalazion healing and can be easily implemented at home. These methods focus on softening the blocked oil and encouraging drainage.

Warm compresses: A cornerstone of chalazion treatment

Applying warm compresses is one of the most effective ways to treat a chalazion at home. Here’s how to do it properly:

1. Soak a clean cloth in hot water
2. Apply the compress to the affected eyelid for 10-15 minutes
3. Repeat this process 3-5 times daily
4. Maintain the heat by rewetting the cloth as needed

Alternatively, you can create a heat-retaining compress using uncooked rice:

1. Fill a clean sock with uncooked rice
2. Tie off the sock securely
3. Microwave for about 20 seconds
4. Apply to the eyelid, ensuring it’s not too hot to avoid burns

Gentle eyelid massage

After applying a warm compress, gently massage the eyelid around the chalazion. This helps break up the contents of the lump and promotes drainage. Be sure to use clean hands and avoid applying too much pressure.

Over-the-counter treatments

Some over-the-counter options may help manage chalazion symptoms:

• Artificial tears to relieve dryness and irritation
• Eyelid cleansing wipes or solutions to maintain hygiene
• Non-prescription antibiotic ointments (consult with a pharmacist before use)

Medical Interventions for Persistent Chalazia

While most chalazia respond well to conservative treatments, some cases may require medical intervention. It’s important to know when to seek professional help and understand the available treatment options.

When to consult a doctor

Consider seeking medical attention if your chalazion:

• Persists for more than a month despite home treatment
• Causes significant pain or discomfort
• Interferes with vision
• Shows signs of infection (increased redness, warmth, or pus)
• Recurs frequently
• Moves or changes location

Prescription treatments

A healthcare professional may recommend the following treatments:

• Antibiotics: While chalazia are not typically caused by bacterial infections, antibiotics may be prescribed if an infection is suspected.
• Steroid injections: For very swollen chalazia, a corticosteroid injection may help reduce inflammation.
• Topical steroid ointments: These can be applied directly to the eyelid to decrease swelling and promote healing.

Surgical intervention

In cases where a chalazion is large, persistent, or affecting vision, surgical drainage may be necessary. This minor procedure involves making a small incision in the eyelid to remove the contents of the chalazion. It’s typically performed under local anesthesia and is generally quick and effective.

Chalazion Healing Timeline and Expectations

Understanding the typical healing process for chalazia can help manage expectations and determine when additional treatment may be necessary.

How long does chalazion healing take?

The duration of chalazion healing can vary significantly from person to person. On average, chalazia resolve within a few weeks to a few months. Factors influencing healing time include:

• Size of the chalazion
• Individual’s overall health
• Consistency of treatment
• Presence of underlying conditions

Stages of chalazion healing

While each case is unique, chalazia typically progress through several stages during the healing process:

1. Initial inflammation and swelling
2. Stabilization of size
3. Gradual reduction in size
4. Drainage of contents
5. Complete resolution

Monitoring progress and setbacks

Keeping track of your chalazion’s progress can help you determine if it’s healing properly. Consider the following methods:

• Take regular photos to compare size and appearance
• Keep a symptom diary to note changes in discomfort or vision
• Monitor the effectiveness of home treatments
• Be aware of any signs of infection or worsening

Preventing Chalazia and Reducing Recurrence

While not always preventable, there are steps you can take to reduce the likelihood of developing chalazia or experiencing recurrences.

Maintaining good eyelid hygiene

Proper eyelid hygiene is crucial in preventing chalazia. Incorporate these practices into your daily routine:

• Wash your hands thoroughly before touching your face or eyes
• Remove all makeup before going to bed
• Use a gentle, eye-safe cleanser to wash your eyelids daily
• Perform regular eyelid scrubs using commercially available products or diluted baby shampoo
• Apply warm compresses to your eyelids for a few minutes daily, even when you don’t have a chalazion

Addressing underlying conditions

Certain medical conditions can increase your risk of developing chalazia. Managing these conditions can help prevent recurrences:

• Blepharitis: Treat chronic eyelid inflammation with prescribed medications and proper hygiene
• Rosacea: Work with a dermatologist to manage this skin condition
• Seborrheic dermatitis: Use medicated shampoos and follow a skin care regimen as recommended by a healthcare professional
• Hormonal imbalances: Consult with an endocrinologist if you suspect hormonal issues

Lifestyle modifications

Making certain lifestyle changes can contribute to overall eye health and reduce the risk of chalazia:

• Stay hydrated to promote healthy tear production
• Eat a balanced diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which support eye health
• Avoid touching or rubbing your eyes unnecessarily
• Take regular breaks from digital screens to reduce eye strain
• Wear protective eyewear in dusty or windy environments

Understanding Chalazion Recurrence and Long-term Management

For some individuals, chalazia may be a recurring issue. Understanding why this happens and how to manage long-term eye health is crucial for those prone to these eyelid lumps.

Why do chalazia recur?

Chalazia can recur for several reasons:

• Persistent blockage of oil glands
• Underlying chronic conditions like blepharitis or rosacea
• Genetic predisposition to oil gland dysfunction
• Inadequate eyelid hygiene practices
• Hormonal fluctuations

Long-term management strategies

If you’re prone to recurring chalazia, consider these long-term management strategies:

• Develop a consistent eyelid hygiene routine
• Use preservative-free artificial tears to maintain eye lubrication
• Consider taking omega-3 supplements to support overall eye health
• Schedule regular check-ups with an eye care professional
• Be proactive in treating early signs of chalazia with warm compresses and massage

When to consider more aggressive treatments

In cases of frequent recurrence or multiple chalazia, your healthcare provider might recommend more aggressive treatments:

• Long-term use of low-dose oral antibiotics
• Regular in-office eyelid cleaning and expression procedures
• Consideration of meibomian gland probing
• Exploration of underlying systemic conditions that may contribute to recurrence

By understanding the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for chalazia, you can effectively manage these eyelid lumps and promote overall eye health. Remember that while most chalazia resolve with conservative treatment, persistent or recurrent cases warrant professional medical attention. With proper care and prevention strategies, you can minimize the impact of chalazia on your daily life and maintain healthy, comfortable eyes.

How Do You Know if a Chalazion is Healing? Signs of Easing

You can monitor the progress of your chalazion’s healing by noting changes in size and recognizing the reduction of any other symptoms.

A chalazion, sometimes also called a stye, is a lump on the eyelid caused by inflammation.

It’s often the result of clogged oil glands near the base of the eyelashes or in the inner eyelid. A chalazion usually doesn’t hurt, but it may cause irritation.

Chalazia (the plural of chalazion) usually get better on their own within a few weeks. But home treatments like warm compresses and eyelid massage may help speed up the process and relieve discomfort.

As a chalazion heals, the contents of the lump will slowly drain. The chalazion will then get smaller.

If the chalazion affects how you see, your vision should improve if the chalazion is healing. Feelings of irritation, like eye dryness or reduced tear production, should get better.

A 2018 study examined the effectiveness of conservative measures like warm compresses, eye drops, and ointments on healing chalazia.

The study evaluated the healing process by tracking the reduction in the size of the chalazion. The authors said volume would be an ideal measurement of chalazion size. But the volume of an eye lump is hard to measure, so they opted to monitor each lump’s horizontal width.

Complete resolution of the chalazion was defined as a 100% reduction in size. Otherwise, change was measured in millimeters.

A 2020 study on chalazion treatment and meibomian glands also measured chalazion size by horizontal width instead of volume using special ophthalmological instruments.

Someone with a chalazion might want to monitor its size at home by taking photos and comparing them as treatment progresses to see if the lump seems to be healing.

Chalazia come with symptoms like tearing and eye irritation. This is because the oil glands are blocked, which makes it harder to produce the tears you need for healthy eye lubrication. Large chalazia can also press against the eyeball, which can cause blurry vision.

As your chalazion heals, you may experience the following:

• reduced chalazion size
• inability to see or feel the chalazion, or it’s harder to find inside the eyelid
• healthy tears
• less irritation
• no blurry vision
• pain reduction

Some people experience pain if the chalazion scratches the cornea. An eye doctor can check the cornea for irritation using a fluorescein stain test.

You may want to contact a doctor if a chalazion:

• does not go away in 1 month
• moves or migrates to another spot
• is painful or you suspect an infection
• is large and obstructs vision
• comes back

A doctor may be able to recommend other treatments like antibiotics or surgery.

Conservative treatment at home usually works to heal a chalazion. If it does not, a doctor can help you explore other options.

Home remedies and over-the-counter treatment

Helping your chalazion to heal at home involves softening the oil blocking the glands. This helps the lump to drain and get smaller.

Place a clean cloth soaked in hot water against the chalazion for 10 to 15 minutes at a time, three to five times a day. You can keep the cloth warm by rewetting it with hot water as needed.

Another option is to take a handful of uncooked rice, put it inside a clean sock, tie it off and microwave it for 20 seconds. Heat is an essential part of this process, and the sock should retain the heat longer than a washcloth.

After using the compress, gently massage the eyelid around the chalazion. This helps to break up the contents of the lump.

Medical treatment

The medical treatment for chalazion often involves treating any underlying infection and removing the lump.

• Antibiotics: Chalazia are caused by inflammation, so antibiotics are usually not necessary. But a doctor may prescribe antibiotics if they think an infection is causing the inflammation.
• Steroids: A doctor may give you a steroid shot or prescribe a steroid ointment if the chalazion is very swollen. Steroids should bring down the swelling.
• Surgical drainage: When the chalazion is big enough to make it hard for you to see or doesn’t go away, a doctor may recommend removing the contents of the lump with surgery.

Here are answers to some common questions about chalazion healing.

How long do chalazia typically last?

Chalazia usually go away within a few weeks. But sometimes, they can last for months.

How long does it take a chalazion to drain fully?

A chalazion can take weeks or months to fully drain. You’ll know if the chalazion is draining if the lump gets smaller.

Can you prevent chalazia?

Chalazia often come back even after treatment. You can help prevent them by:

• washing your hands before touching your face
• removing all makeup before going to bed
• practicing good hygiene with regular eyelid scrubs and warm compresses to prevent the glands from becoming blocked

Chalazia are usually caused by blocked oil glands in the eyelid. They typically go away within a few weeks with home treatment. You can tell your chalazion is healing if it gets smaller and other symptoms like pain and irritation go away.

The chalazion explained by Dr. Alex Shortt

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The chalazion explained by Dr. Alex Shortt

What is a chalazion?

A chalazion is a very common eyelid problem and it is basically a very large lump in the eyelid. It tends to be deep within the eyelid because it’s caused by a blockage of one of the main oil glands called the meibomian gland which is deep within the eyelid. You will know you have a chalazion because you will get pain, swelling of the eyelid, and it will be very sore to touch and the whole eyelid can swell quite a lot in the acute or the early stage of a chalazion. What tends to happen is that even with treatment with antibiotics or anti-inflammatories, the chalazion will reduce slowly reduce in size and the eyelid will become less swollen but many people after the acute phase of a chalazion will be left with still a lump or a cyst within the eyelid which will then need to have an operation to drain.

How do you differentiate a chalazion from a stye?

A stye is a blockage of one of the hair follicles on the front surface of the eyelid. A stye tends to be a small white spot or lump on the very front surface of the eyelid. A chalazion is different because it is the blockage of an oil gland much deeper in the eyelid. A chalazion will present as a much deeper swelling and a larger swelling, and you will not be able to see a white spot on the front surface of the eyelid. A stye tends to improve very quickly with some mild antibiotic treatment to the area of the spot. It can also be helped by plucking the eyelash or squeezing the spot to help it discharge. A chalazion tends to take a lot longer to improve and normally needs some treatment with antibiotics, either tablets or ointment, and sometimes it may even need an operation if there is a persistent cyst or swelling.

How do you treat a chalazion?

The treatment of a chalazion depends on the stage of the condition. Early on, when a chalazion first develops, the eyelid is very very swollen and inflamed. The treatment in this stage is to reduce the inflammation and to treat any infection, so antibiotics and anti-inflammatories are important in this stage of the condition. Later on, when the inflammation and the redness and the soreness has reduced, you can be left with a cyst or a large swelling deep in the eyelid. At this stage we recommend people to apply heat to the eyelid after to try to compress or squeeze the cyst so that it bursts or discharges. If this is not successful and there are still a large visible lump in the eyelid then you will need an operation to drain this system.

What should I do if I have a chalazion?

If you have a chalazion, or if you think you have a chalazion, it is important to seek the advice of an ophthalmologist. The reason is that in the early stage of a chalazion, the acute chalazion stage, the eyelid can actually be infected or the blocked gland that causes the chalazion may have an infection. So it is important to determine whether or not you need antibiotic treatment. You should use anti- inflammatory treatment to reduce the swelling and the pain. Once the acute swelling and inflammation is gone, you may or may not have a residual cyst or lump in the eyelid. If you do then your ophthalmologist will need to perform a minor procedure to drain this cyst.

What precautions should be taken?

If you have developed a chalazion then it’s very likely that you have a condition called blepharitis. Blepharitis is the condition where there’s inflammation of the edge of the eyelid which makes the oil glands in the eyelid more prone to blocking and becoming inflamed and infected. It’s important you see your ophthalmologist to be checked for blepharitis and to have any treatment if required. If you are suffering from recurrent chalazia which is basically a chalazion which then resolves but then you develop another one either in the same place or in a different place then it’s very important that again you’re checked for blepharitis and as possible you will need some ongoing treatment to prevent the development of chalazia over and over again.

How do you prevent chalazia?

If you are getting more and more chalazia, so you’re having multiple chalazia then it’s very likely that you have blepharitis and particularly posterior blepharitis. If this is the case, you need to see your ophthalmologist and to investigate whether treatment is required to prevent chalazia developping in a recurrent way. Your ophthalmologist is very likely to recommend that you use lid hygiene wipes to remove the debris, the dead skin, and the buildup of oil from the edge of the eyelids and a particular wipes such as Blephaclean® wipes or Blephasol® solution are very effective and safe ways of doing this. Another treatment which can help very significantly with posterior blepharitis and recurrent chalazia is the Blephasteam® device. This is a method of delivering the right amount of heat and warming to the eyelids to melt the oil and help it to flow more freely within the eyelids and the eyelid glands. The last thing we can do if you have blepharitis and recurrent chalazia is to use a good quality lubricant to reduce the amount of inflammation and irritation on the surface of the eye. Probably the best lubricant I found in clinical practice is the Thealoz® Duo which combines two effective lubricants to prevent damage and inflammation on the surface of the eye as a result of Blepharitis.

≡ Chalazion: causes, symptoms and treatment

Chalazion is a benign neoplasm in the thickness of the skin of the eyelids, formed due to blockage and swelling of the sebaceous gland of the eyelids.
With chalazion, the symptoms at the beginning of the process resemble the manifestation of barley.
A chalazion often begins as a very small, red, tender, swollen area on the eyelid and is usually not an infection. After a few days, it can turn into a painless, slowly growing pea-sized swelling, and can often be confused with stye (or hordeolum), an infectious inflammation of the sebaceous gland on the eyelid.

A stye is a red, swollen, painful growth on the rim or inside of the eyelid and usually occurs closer to the surface of the eyelid than a chalazion. If left untreated, barley can lead to the formation of a chalazion. Do not attempt to squeeze or drain the chalazion as treatment may be required for proper healing.

Chalazion needs treatment if you start to feel pain around the eye or your visual acuity worsens. You should contact a specialist who will prescribe a pharmacological treatment for inflammation of the sebaceous gland of the eye. If such treatment is ineffective, surgical removal of the chalazion may be required. As for how to squeeze out a chalazion, this is absolutely not worth doing.

If a chalazion on the upper eyelid or on the lower eyelid recurs frequently, and appears in the same place at the same time, this may be a sign of more serious diseases, so you should consult a specialist to be sure. Urgent treatment will also be required for hemorrhage in the upper eyelid.

Chalazion causes and risk factors

Chronic blepharitis (inflammation of the eyelids, often from an excess of bacteria).
Seborrhea.
Tuberculosis.
Acne rosacea.
Viral infection.
Rarely, chalazions may be a sign of infection or skin cancer.
Other systemic pathologies.
Idiopathic cases.

Stages of chalazion development

Meibomian glands are sebaceous glands located in the tarsal plate of the eyelid. If the outflow of these sebaceous secretions is obstructed, the oily secretions are retained and can seep into adjacent tissues, which in turn will lead to a chronic granulomatous inflammatory response. In the case of a long process of treatment of this disease, the chalazion can form a capsule, which will not disappear even under the influence of conservative treatment. In this case, the only treatment option is surgical removal of the capsule.

Chalazion symptoms

• Painless lesion on the upper or less commonly on the lower eyelid.
• Caused by thickening of fluid in the sebaceous (meibomian) glands of the eyelids.
• Lachrymation and mild irritation may occur as the blockage of the glands leads to disruption of the composition of the tear.
• Blurred vision if the chalazion on the lower eyelid or upper eyelid is large enough.

More common in adults than in children; most common in people aged 30-50 years.
Usually disappears without treatment within a few weeks or a month, although it can often recur.

Chalazion diagnostics

This disease is best diagnosed by an ophthalmologist who can advise on treatment options.

Required diagnostics may include:

Patient history to identify symptoms and any general health problems.
External view of the eye, including eyelid structure, skin texture, and eyelash appearance.
Evaluation of eyelid margins, base of eyelashes, and sebaceous gland openings using bright light and magnification (biomicroscopy).

How is chalazion treated

Most chalazions require minimal medical treatment and go away on their own in a few weeks.

Apply a warm compress to the eyelid for 10-15 minutes 4-6 times a day for several days. Warm compresses can help loosen hardened secretions blocking the ducts and allow for drainage and healing.

Gently massage the outer eyelids for a few minutes daily to promote drainage.

After the chalazion disappears on its own, maintain eyelid hygiene and avoid hypothermia.

Again, do not try to squeeze or squeeze out the chalazion, as this may inadvertently cause more damage.

If the chalazion, which often has complex causes, does not disappear or heal within a month, consult an ophthalmologist. Medical intervention may be required as prescribed by a doctor: an injection of steroids to reduce inflammation and swelling, or surgery to remove the chalazion along with the capsule.

Chalazion prophylaxis

It is not always possible to prevent a chalazion caused by bacteria. However, prevention of chalazion will help reduce the risk of its occurrence. To decrease the chance, better:

• do not rub eyes;
• wash hands before touching eyes, for example to put on contact lenses;
• protect eyes from dust and air pollution by wearing sunglasses or goggles;
• keep the eyelids clean with special eye cleansers, removing all make-up from the area around the eyes before going to bed;
• use only personal care products (towels, cosmetics).

If a person has frequent chalazion due to blepharitis, they should also gently cleanse the eye area daily with specialized eyelid cleansers. You should also use pre-moistened cleansing wipes or special eye scrubs.

Things to avoid

To prevent further discomfort or irritation, it is best to avoid eye makeup or contact lenses until the chalazion is gone. Avoid touching the eye area with your hands unless necessary.

Consequences and complications of chalazion

Untreated chalazion may contribute to the development of preseptal cellulitis, which may lead to progressive deformity of the eyelids. A large central chalazion can cause visual impairment due to the influence of direct contact with the cornea. Upper eyelid chalazion exacerbates astigmatism and corneal aberration, especially on the peripheral cornea. This risk increases significantly with chalazion larger than 5 mm. Therefore, the removal of these formations should be considered.

If you have a chalazion, Ochi Clinic will tell you how to treat it. You can find out more about the treatment directly in our ophthalmological center.

Our doctors carry out diagnostics and examination of the organization under light clinical protocols, zastosovuyuchi new evidence methods.

Permanent consultants of the ophthalmological center – the luminary of ophthalmology in various directions of microsurgery of the eye.

Chalazion: home treatment

Chalazion is a small, slowly growing cyst that develops inside the eyelid. Chalazion is usually painless and rarely lasts longer than a few weeks. This condition is the result of a blockage or inflammation of the meibomian gland. These glands produce fluid that bathes the surface of the eye.

Photo: Wikipedia

Chalazion – symptoms

In the early stages, a chalazion looks like a small, red swelling on the inflamed area of ​​​​the eyelid. A chalazion may appear on the upper or lower eyelid, but is more common on the upper eyelid. Although chalazion is usually painless, it can cause tearing and eye irritation. A particularly large chalazion can put pressure on the eyeball, which can lead to visual impairment.

What is the difference between barley and chalazion

People sometimes confuse chalazion with barley because of the similarity. Although often used interchangeably, the two terms refer to different types of lesions. A chalazion is due to a blocked meibomian gland, whereas a stye indicates an infected meibomian gland or hair follicle. However, chalazion can sometimes turn into styes.

There are two types of barley:

Outer barley occurs at the base of the eyelashes and is usually the result of an infection of the hair follicle.

Internal stye develops within the eyelid and is usually the result of an infection in the meibomian gland.

The most noticeable difference between chalazion and stye is that chalazion is usually painless. Styes are usually very painful and can cause inflammation of the eye. Other symptoms of barley may include:

• swelling of the eyelids;
• small boil, which may contain pus;
• crust on the edge of the eyelid;
• sensitivity to light;
• lacrimation.

In most cases, the stye increases in size for about 3 days before an infiltrate appears. It usually goes away within a week.

Chalazion – Causes

Chalazion occurs when there is inflammation that affects the eyes or skin. Some of these diseases are as follows:

• chronic blepharitis;
• acne rosacea;
• seborrheic dermatitis.

Less commonly, chalazion develops due to viral conjunctivitis, which is a type of eye infection.

Other risk factors

• viral infections;
• tuberculosis;
• skin cancer;
• diabetes mellitus.

How to treat chalazion at home?

Chalazion tends to self-heal within a few weeks. At the same time, it is important to avoid squeezing the chalazion, as this can increase the risk of developing an eye infection. However, there are several safe ways to speed up the healing process.

Warm compresses

Applying a warm compress to the affected eye helps to effectively open the drain, which can relieve irritation. To make a warm compress:

• Soak a soft, clean cloth or cotton pad in warm water;
• Squeeze out excess liquid;
• Apply a damp cloth to the eyelid for 10-15 minutes;
• Continue moistening the compress to keep it warm.

Gentle massage

Gently massaging the eyelids for a few minutes every day can help drain the canals effectively. Before doing this, make sure your hands are clean to reduce the risk of infection.

Drugs

A number of over-the-counter drugs can help treat chalazion or stye. They can reduce irritation, prevent infection, and speed up the healing process. Some of these remedies include ointments, solutions, and medicated eye pads.

To avoid further discomfort or irritation, it is best not to wear eye makeup or contact lenses until the chalazion has passed.

When to see a doctor

See an ophthalmologist or optometrist if the chalazion does not heal within 1 month. The doctor will ask about symptoms and examine the area to rule out other medical conditions. He may also prescribe anti-inflammatory eye drops or ointments to speed up the healing process. The doctor may prescribe hormonal injections to reduce swelling. This will depend on the location, size and number of chalazions present. If there are signs of a bacterial infection, your doctor may recommend a course of oral antibiotics.

If the chalazion is severe or persistent, your doctor may recommend surgery to drain it. This usually takes place in the doctor’s office under local anesthesia. Chalazion can sometimes recur. If this occurs, the doctor may need to take a biopsy.