What to Expect, Aftercare, Recovery Time, and More

A chalazion is a small cyst, or lump, that develops on your eyelid.

It’s usually a result of a blockage in the glands of your eyelid that produce oil. This causes your eyelid to redden and swell. Eventually, a visible lump can develop.

Chalazions typically aren’t painful and often go away on their own within two to eight weeks. But if you’ve had one for several months or it’s starting to interfere with your vision, your healthcare provider may recommend surgical removal.

Read on to learn more about the procedure, including how it’s done and the recovery time involved.

Chalazion surgery isn’t considered a major surgery, but it does involve anesthesia.

Depending on your health needs, age, and health history, you may be given a local anesthetic that only affects your eye area or a general anesthetic that completely puts you to sleep for the procedure.

Before surgery, make sure to tell your doctor or anesthesiologist about any medications you’re taking, including:

• over-the-counter (OTC) medications
• prescription medications
• vitamins and supplements
• herbal remedies

Be sure to also mention any health conditions you have, especially if you snore or have sleep apnea. Both of these issues may increase your risk of certain anesthesia side effects. You’ll also want to let them know if you’ve had a bad reaction to anesthesia in the past.

Alcohol and drug use could also affect how you respond to anesthesia, so it’s important to be honest with your surgeon about any recent substance use. If you smoke, it’s recommended to avoid smoking as much as possible before surgery.

If you wear artificial nails or nail polish, you may be asked to remove them before surgery. The color of your nail bed is a useful indicator of your circulation and pulse while you’re under anesthesia.

You’ll be given additional information about how to prepare, including whether you can eat or drink before surgery, from your healthcare provider.

can i drive home?

Since you’ll need some kind of anesthesia from the procedure, make arrangements ahead of time to have someone take you home. The procedure is a quick outpatient surgery, so you’ll be able to go home the same day in most cases.

Surgery may take place in a hospital, but some clinics might perform it directly in the office. Before the surgery, you’ll be given anesthesia, so you won’t feel anything during the procedure.

Once the anesthesia has taken effect, the surgeon performs these steps:

1. uses a clamp to keep your eye open
2. makes a small incision on your outer eyelid (for a larger chalazion) or inner eyelid (for a smaller one)
3. scrapes out the contents of the chalazion
4. closes the incision with dissolvable stitches

If you get chalazions frequently, they may follow up by doing a biopsy on the contents of the chalazion to check for potential underlying causes.

The actual procedure takes about 10 minutes, but the full process, including preparation and anesthesia, takes around 45 minutes.

After surgery, you’ll be prescribed antibiotics. In some cases, you might also be given a steroid ointment.

Make sure to take any prescribed medications. The antibiotics will help keep the site from becoming infected, and steroids can help treat any inflammation you might experience after the surgery.

You may also be given eye pads or an eye patch to protect your eye.

Don’t be alarmed if you notice some swelling or bruising around your eye. The surgical site may also leak a reddish fluid for a few days. All of these are normal.

You can use a cold compress on your eye a few hours after your surgery to reduce swelling.

Try applying moist heat to the site the day after your surgery. Your surgeon may even send you home with detailed instructions on how do do this. Using moist heat on the surgery site three times a day can help the wound to drain and reduce the chance of the chalazion returning.

Following surgery, you’ll want to avoid:

• rubbing or touching your eyes
• wearing contact lenses for a week
• getting water in your eyes when showering
• swimming
• wearing makeup for one month

The surgical incision should heal in about 7 to 10 days. But it’s a good idea to avoid any activities that could potentially injure your eye for at least two weeks.

As you recover, apply moist heat to your eye three times a day for 10 minutes at a time. Continue doing this for five days after surgery.

You’ll also want to avoid wearing contact lenses for about a week and eye makeup for up to a month after surgery.

Chalazion surgery is a low-risk procedure, but it does still carry a few risks.

The procedure may damage the glands responsible for maintaining your tear film. This is one reason why your doctor may recommend waiting to see if the chalazion goes away on its own before removing it surgically.

Other potential risks include:

• bruising
• bleeding
• infection

There’s also a chance the chalazion could reappear, but following the aftercare plan recommended by your healthcare provider can reduce your risk.

In addition, there are some risks associated with anesthesia. But common side effects, such as nausea and sore throat, are minor. Going over your health history with the anesthesiologist can help to avoid any negative reactions.

As you recover, call your healthcare provider if you experience any of the following:

• redness and swelling that doesn’t go down
• bruising
• yellow or thick discharge (some light, bloody discharge is normal)
• increased pain or pain that doesn’t improve with OTC medications
• vision problems other than temporary blurriness
• a fever higher than 101°F (38°C)

If your chalazion doesn’t go away on its own, your healthcare provider may recommend surgical removal. This is a relatively quick, safe procedure. Just make sure to follow your healthcare provider’s aftercare instructions to avoid complications.

What to Expect, Aftercare, Recovery Time, and More

A chalazion is a small cyst, or lump, that develops on your eyelid.

It’s usually a result of a blockage in the glands of your eyelid that produce oil. This causes your eyelid to redden and swell. Eventually, a visible lump can develop.

Chalazions typically aren’t painful and often go away on their own within two to eight weeks. But if you’ve had one for several months or it’s starting to interfere with your vision, your healthcare provider may recommend surgical removal.

Read on to learn more about the procedure, including how it’s done and the recovery time involved.

Chalazion surgery isn’t considered a major surgery, but it does involve anesthesia.

Depending on your health needs, age, and health history, you may be given a local anesthetic that only affects your eye area or a general anesthetic that completely puts you to sleep for the procedure.

Before surgery, make sure to tell your doctor or anesthesiologist about any medications you’re taking, including:

• over-the-counter (OTC) medications
• prescription medications
• vitamins and supplements
• herbal remedies

Be sure to also mention any health conditions you have, especially if you snore or have sleep apnea. Both of these issues may increase your risk of certain anesthesia side effects. You’ll also want to let them know if you’ve had a bad reaction to anesthesia in the past.

Alcohol and drug use could also affect how you respond to anesthesia, so it’s important to be honest with your surgeon about any recent substance use. If you smoke, it’s recommended to avoid smoking as much as possible before surgery.

If you wear artificial nails or nail polish, you may be asked to remove them before surgery. The color of your nail bed is a useful indicator of your circulation and pulse while you’re under anesthesia.

You’ll be given additional information about how to prepare, including whether you can eat or drink before surgery, from your healthcare provider.

can i drive home?

Since you’ll need some kind of anesthesia from the procedure, make arrangements ahead of time to have someone take you home. The procedure is a quick outpatient surgery, so you’ll be able to go home the same day in most cases.

Surgery may take place in a hospital, but some clinics might perform it directly in the office. Before the surgery, you’ll be given anesthesia, so you won’t feel anything during the procedure.

Once the anesthesia has taken effect, the surgeon performs these steps:

1. uses a clamp to keep your eye open
2. makes a small incision on your outer eyelid (for a larger chalazion) or inner eyelid (for a smaller one)
3. scrapes out the contents of the chalazion
4. closes the incision with dissolvable stitches

If you get chalazions frequently, they may follow up by doing a biopsy on the contents of the chalazion to check for potential underlying causes.

The actual procedure takes about 10 minutes, but the full process, including preparation and anesthesia, takes around 45 minutes.

After surgery, you’ll be prescribed antibiotics. In some cases, you might also be given a steroid ointment.

Make sure to take any prescribed medications. The antibiotics will help keep the site from becoming infected, and steroids can help treat any inflammation you might experience after the surgery.

You may also be given eye pads or an eye patch to protect your eye.

Don’t be alarmed if you notice some swelling or bruising around your eye. The surgical site may also leak a reddish fluid for a few days. All of these are normal.

You can use a cold compress on your eye a few hours after your surgery to reduce swelling.

Try applying moist heat to the site the day after your surgery. Your surgeon may even send you home with detailed instructions on how do do this. Using moist heat on the surgery site three times a day can help the wound to drain and reduce the chance of the chalazion returning.

Following surgery, you’ll want to avoid:

• rubbing or touching your eyes
• wearing contact lenses for a week
• getting water in your eyes when showering
• swimming
• wearing makeup for one month

The surgical incision should heal in about 7 to 10 days. But it’s a good idea to avoid any activities that could potentially injure your eye for at least two weeks.

As you recover, apply moist heat to your eye three times a day for 10 minutes at a time. Continue doing this for five days after surgery.

You’ll also want to avoid wearing contact lenses for about a week and eye makeup for up to a month after surgery.

Chalazion surgery is a low-risk procedure, but it does still carry a few risks.

The procedure may damage the glands responsible for maintaining your tear film. This is one reason why your doctor may recommend waiting to see if the chalazion goes away on its own before removing it surgically.

Other potential risks include:

• bruising
• bleeding
• infection

There’s also a chance the chalazion could reappear, but following the aftercare plan recommended by your healthcare provider can reduce your risk.

In addition, there are some risks associated with anesthesia. But common side effects, such as nausea and sore throat, are minor. Going over your health history with the anesthesiologist can help to avoid any negative reactions.

As you recover, call your healthcare provider if you experience any of the following:

• redness and swelling that doesn’t go down
• bruising
• yellow or thick discharge (some light, bloody discharge is normal)
• increased pain or pain that doesn’t improve with OTC medications
• vision problems other than temporary blurriness
• a fever higher than 101°F (38°C)

If your chalazion doesn’t go away on its own, your healthcare provider may recommend surgical removal. This is a relatively quick, safe procedure. Just make sure to follow your healthcare provider’s aftercare instructions to avoid complications.

preparation, operation and rehabilitation – health articles

Surgical treatment of chalazion allows you to quickly get rid of the formation, which causes discomfort and causes a pronounced cosmetic defect. Removal can be performed fairly quickly and is not associated with a risk of serious complications. If you entrust it to an experienced specialist, the intervention will not cause any inconvenience.

Causes of the disease

Chalazion can occur due to the development of an infectious and inflammatory process in the eye. Also provoke the appearance of neoplasms:

• general oily skin
• eye burns and other injuries
• chronic disorders (endocrine, etc.) that can disrupt the normal functioning of the glands and the composition of their secretions
• vitamin deficiency, etc.

In some cases, not single, but multiple chalazions appear (on different eyelids of one eye, on two eyes).

Symptoms

Signs of a chalazion largely depend on the phase of its development.

At the initial stage, patients usually complain of swelling, bursting pain, redness. At the same time, a round seal is formed inside the eyelid, which does not move under the skin.

If, under the influence of treatment or on its own, the chalazion does not resolve, then it can persist for months. In this case, there is a risk of purulent inflammation or secondary infection. In this case, the bag of pus can open on its own with the contents pouring out.

When is surgery needed?

In the early stages, hormonal and anti-inflammatory drugs in the form of drops and ointments are usually prescribed. Physiotherapeutic procedures can also be carried out. If in the first weeks there is no effect from conservative therapy, an injection of a hormonal drug (Diprospan and its analogues) is made. Funds are injected directly into the capsule.

If such treatment of the chalazion does not give the desired result or is inappropriate, then removal is carried out surgically.

How to prepare for the operation?

The procedure does not require complex special preparation. Usually it is enough for the patient to visit an ophthalmologist and undergo an examination. It will allow to determine the features of education, as well as the presence of indications and contraindications for intervention. And also the doctor will prescribe the necessary tests.

How is it carried out?

The procedure for performing operations to remove a chalazion has long been developed. The manipulation is carried out on an outpatient basis and lasts about 15-25 minutes. For its implementation, local subcutaneous anesthesia is used.

The intervention area is treated with an antiseptic beforehand. Then the area with the formation is fixed. The doctor opens the chalazion capsule and removes it along with the contents. In this case, the incision is made either from the conjunctival side or from the side of the eyelid. After the end of the main manipulations, the intervention area is processed again. Drainage is performed if necessary. The wound is closed with suture material. Additionally, a bandage is applied.

Rehabilitation

After chalazion surgery, recovery lasts no more than 7-10 days. The patient is prescribed anti-inflammatory drops and ointments. They help prevent secondary infection.

Small hematomas and edema may persist after the intervention. They usually disappear on their own within a couple of days.

The patient needs to visit an ophthalmologist only for rehabilitation control. Also, medical assistance should be used in case of prolonged edema, redness of the eyelid and other obvious symptoms of an inflammatory process or infection (including a general increase in body temperature, malaise, etc.).

Benefits of contacting MEDSI

• Highly qualified doctors. Our ophthalmologists have the necessary knowledge and skills to detect chalazion, treat it conservatively and perform removal operations. The Center employs recognized experts in the field of ophthalmology with extensive experience in diagnosing and treating eye diseases. Many have additional competencies in narrow areas of ophthalmology
• Comprehensive high-tech diagnostics. Our Ophthalmology Center conducts modern hardware examinations using the latest expert-level equipment. They allow you to detect education in a timely manner and remove it
• Interdisciplinary approach. If necessary, doctors involve colleagues from related specialties. This allows you to identify comorbidities and prevent the development of complications
• Modern and effective methods of treatment. An individual approach to each patient and a careful search for the causes of diseases allow specialists to successfully achieve their goals
• Manipulation comfort. Surgical treatment of chalazion does not cause severe discomfort
• No queues. You can make an appointment at a convenient time. In this case, you do not have to wait for a consultation with a doctor

To clarify the cost of surgical removal of a chalazion (surgery) or make an appointment with an ophthalmologist, just call +7 (495) 7-800-500. Our specialist will answer all questions. Recording is also possible through the SmartMed application.

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• Treatment and removal of chalazion

Elimination of eyelid chalazion – methods of treatment

Table of contents:

Causes of chalazion formation
Chalazion in childhood
Diagnosis of the disease
Indications for surgery
Main methods of chalazion elimination
Surgical treatment of the eyelid
Laser removal of chalazion
Rehabilitation period

A stye-like nodule has developed on the upper or lower eyelid. There was a blockage of the sebaceous gland caused by a decrease in immunity, infection, poor hygiene and the work of the gastrointestinal tract. Initially, barley and chalazion are similar: swelling, redness, induration. Then, with barley, an abscess forms, and the chalazion remains a hailstone, which does not hurt, but increases with time.

Causes of chalazion formation

With inflammation of the meibomian gland, the secret of which moisturizes and protects the mucous membrane of the eye, there is a blockage of the excretory duct. The growth of tissue begins and a visible lump is obtained. The following factors can serve as an impetus for this:

• infection causing inflammation of the eye;
• violation of personal hygiene requirements;
• non-compliance with the rules for the care of contact lenses;
• applying low-quality decorative cosmetics;
• weakening of the body’s immune forces;
• virus attack;
• malfunction of the gastrointestinal tract or increased blood sugar.

Childhood chalazion

In children, chalazion occurs less frequently than in adults. The causes and symptoms are similar. Preschoolers and younger schoolchildren suffer more often from these unpleasant nodules on the eyelid. For children, conservative treatment is more often used, to which the cure responds well. If there is a need for an operation, it is prescribed to first pass blood, feces, urine to the laboratory for those indicators that will be indicated in the referral. Additional examinations are possible at the discretion of the doctor.

Surgery for children is performed under general anesthesia, local anesthesia is used as an exception. Laser removal of chalazion in many clinics is carried out for children only over 14 years old.

The return of pathological changes in the meibomian gland for children is not uncommon. That is why preventive measures are so important. Be sure to get rid of the dangerous habit of rubbing your eyes to avoid infection.

Disease diagnosis

If discomfort occurs in the eye, itching, lacrimation, the appearance of an increasing nodule, you need to hurry to the ophthalmological clinic for an appointment with a specialist.

A doctor for diagnosing a disease and identifying concomitant abnormalities conducts a standard examination:

• visual examination of the lesion;
• visual acuity test;
• measurement of intraocular pressure;
• study of the fundus.

A slit lamp is used to monitor the pathology in detail and make an accurate diagnosis. Using magnifying microscope lenses with additional illumination, the eversion of the upper eyelid is examined. A chalazion looks like a hailstone that easily moves under the skin.

To exclude the possibility of malignancy of the formation, a piece of it is taken for histology.

In order to prevent the degeneration of the chalazion into adenocarcinoma, the patient is prescribed conservative treatment with anti-inflammatory disinfecting drops and ointments. In case of ineffectiveness of such therapy, injections of hormones are made into the formation. In the absence of pronounced inflammation, physiotherapy is prescribed. In the future for

To prevent recurrence, it is necessary to fight all types of infections in a timely manner, increase immunity and not neglect hygiene.

Indications for surgery

Chalazion goes through different stages of development: from slight redness and swelling to an extensive tumor formation. A strongly overgrown chalazion can put pressure on the eyeball, cause lacrimation, and significantly impair the quality of vision. In addition, inflammatory processes can begin. If medical and physiotherapeutic procedures do not have the desired effect, the disease continues to progress, the doctor prescribes the removal of the chalazion of the eyelid.

If the diagnosis is chalazion of the eyelid, surgery is indicated in the following cases:

• violation of visual function due to hailstones;

• unsightly aesthetic effect;

• repeated recurrence of pathology;

• acute inflammation in the area of ​​education.

It is extremely rare that a benign tumor degenerates into a malignant one. However, such a possibility exists. Histological examination is carried out, as a rule, after the reappearance of the chalazion.

Depending on the location of the hailstone, its size, stage of development, the doctor chooses the appropriate technique.

Basic methods of chalazion elimination

1. Traditional excision with a scalpel. The main task is to completely remove the formation along with the fibrous capsule and adjacent tissues. The intervention area is treated with an antiseptic. Sometimes it is required to remove fistulous passages and fused affected tissues. If necessary, tissues are sutured with suturing. For adults, the procedure is performed on an outpatient basis under local anesthesia (spray or injection of anesthetic).

2. Radio wave removal involves using an electrode with high-frequency radio waves instead of a scalpel.

3. Laser removal of a chalazion, a product of modern medical technologies, with the help of a beam penetrating to a certain depth in the tissue, painlessly, bloodlessly, quickly, without complications, removes the chalazion. Anesthetic drops are instilled into the eye, ultracaine is injected into the eyelid. The laser beam cuts the capsule and evaporates its contents in layers. Seamless removal is less traumatic, with a minimum period of rehabilitation.

If suppuration occurs, it is first removed. Only after the complete exclusion of inflammation, the problematic nodule is eliminated.

If the trip to the doctor occurred in the initial phase of inflammation, he will prescribe medication and physiotherapy. Removal is offered if:

• conservative treatment does not bring a positive effect;
• advanced stage of pathology;
• several glands are affected;
• disease returns many times;
• neoplasm is malignant.

They practice classical surgery and with the use of a laser.

Eyelid surgery

The operation to remove the hardening lasts about thirty minutes, usually on an outpatient basis, if uncomplicated option.

Procedure steps:

• local anesthesia;
• treatment of the intervention area;
• luer lock application;
• after dissection of the tissue removal of the nodule;
• suturing, if necessary, and dressing with ointment;
• direction of halizin for histology.

The next day, the bandage is removed, after three days the usual mode of life is possible, on the tenth day a visit to the ophthalmologist is recommended. If the conjunctiva has been dissected, short-term wearing of a soft contact lens is indicated to avoid complications.

Before the appointment, you need to:

• administer prescribed antibiotics yourself;
• avoid contact with water;
• do not touch the operated area;
• refuse loads;
• reduce the time spent in the air, there is a need for sunglasses;
• Do not swim in open water or pools.

Laser chalazion removal

Removing eyelid chalazion with a laser is a more modern and safe method. With its help, the tissues are cut, the chalazion is removed, the dissection site is processed. There are no stitches, no need for a bandage, and there is no chance of recurrence, since the capsule is also removed. Immediately after the operation, you can live as usual. The patient should come to the ophthalmologist for control in two days.

The formation of a chalazion in children is a fairly common phenomenon. If treatment does not help, surgery is required. Usually, the following studies are prescribed before this: general blood tests, clotting, sugar, urine and feces. The list can be expanded if necessary. The difference between children’s manipulation and a similar adult one is that children are given general anesthesia. They often have a re-emergence of this pea on the eyelid, which is why preventive measures and medical supervision for several days are so important. In childhood, removal is carried out both in the traditional way and with a laser.

As with any other operation, unpleasant consequences are likely:

• edema, hematoma, which disappear after a couple of days;
• corneal deformity;
• the occurrence of a scar or welt that interferes with blinking;
• wound infection and inflammation.

In order for all medical actions to lead to a favorable result, it is advisable to competently approach the choice of a clinic and a specialist and fully comply with his recommendations.

Rehabilitation period

After surgical exposure, the recovery time depends on its type. During this period it is necessary:

• Strictly comply with all doctor’s prescriptions, regularly carry out the prescribed treatment;
• do not miss a visit to the ophthalmologist for examination and adjustment of procedures;
• lead a healthy lifestyle;
• Do not attempt to apply warm compresses, massage, or use folk remedies unless directed by a doctor.