Lump inside top eyelid. Eyelid Bumps: Types, Causes, Treatments, and Prevention Guide

31.08.197318.09.2021 by alexxlab

What are the different types of eyelid bumps. How can you identify and treat styes, chalazia, xanthelasma, and milia. What causes eyelid bumps and how can they be prevented. When should you see a doctor for an eyelid bump.

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Understanding Common Eyelid Bumps: A Comprehensive Guide

Eyelid bumps are a common occurrence that can cause discomfort and concern. These bumps come in various forms, each with its own characteristics and potential causes. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the different types of eyelid bumps, their causes, treatments, and prevention methods.

Styes: The Painful Pimple-Like Bumps on Your Eyelid

Styes are one of the most common types of eyelid bumps. They appear as red, painful, pimple-like lesions along the edge of the eyelid. But what exactly causes a stye?

Styes typically result from an infection in an eyelid oil gland or eyelash follicle. They can be triggered by various factors, including:

Bacterial infections
Stress
Hormonal changes

How can you identify a stye? Look for these characteristics:

Resembles a pimple or blister
Usually appears along the outer rim of the eyelid
Red in color
Painful to the touch

Treating a Stye: Home Remedies and When to Seek Help

Most styes clear up on their own within a few weeks. However, you can help the healing process with these home remedies:

Apply a warm, damp cloth to the affected area several times a day
Gently massage the swollen area to promote drainage
Keep the area clean and avoid touching your eyes
Refrain from using eye makeup or contact lenses until the stye heals

When should you see a doctor for a stye? If the stye is large, particularly painful, or doesn’t improve after a few weeks of home treatment, it’s time to consult an eye doctor. They may prescribe antibiotics or, in severe cases, drain the stye and administer a steroid injection to promote healing.

Chalazia: The Persistent Eyelid Bumps That Can Mimic Styes

Chalazia (singular: chalazion) are another common type of eyelid bump that can be confused with styes. How do chalazia differ from styes?

Chalazia typically:

Grow on the underside of the eyelid, behind the eyelashes, or midway up the eyelid
Are more likely to form on the upper eyelid
Can grow larger than styes, up to the size of a pea
Are more likely to recur

What causes a chalazion? A chalazion forms when a meibomian gland in the eyelid becomes blocked. This can occur due to:

Oil buildup in the gland
A stye that has left hardened material in the gland
Underlying conditions like blepharitis or rosacea

Treating Chalazia: Patience and Proper Care

Like styes, chalazia often resolve on their own. However, they may take longer to heal. To treat a chalazion:

Apply warm compresses to the affected area several times daily
Gently massage the eyelid to promote drainage
Maintain good eyelid hygiene
Avoid eye makeup and contact lenses until the chalazion heals

For persistent or large chalazia, your doctor may recommend:

Antibiotic ointments
Steroid injections
Surgical drainage (in severe cases)

Xanthelasma: The Yellow Plaques That May Signal Health Concerns

Xanthelasma are soft, yellow collections of plaque that form under the skin, typically near the nose. Unlike styes and chalazia, xanthelasma may be a sign of underlying health issues. What do you need to know about xanthelasma?

They can be a sign of cholesterol problems
They’re common in people with liver disorders like primary biliary cirrhosis
They may occur in individuals with certain skin conditions

Diagnosing and Treating Xanthelasma

If you notice xanthelasma on your eyelids, it’s important to consult a doctor. They will likely:

Check your cholesterol levels
Recommend dietary changes if necessary
Prescribe cholesterol-lowering medications like statins

While these measures may help shrink xanthelasma, they typically don’t disappear on their own. For cosmetic concerns, removal options include:

Freezing (cryotherapy)
Surgical excision
Laser treatment
Chemical peels

It’s worth noting that xanthelasma have a high recurrence rate, with up to 40% returning after surgical removal.

Milia: The Tiny White Cysts That Often Affect Children

Milia are small, white cysts that commonly appear on the eyelids, especially in children. What causes these tiny bumps?

Dead cells trapped under the skin
Skin damage (in the case of secondary or traumatic milia)

Milia are also known as “oil seeds” or “milk spots.” They’re generally harmless and often resolve on their own, particularly in infants.

Managing Milia: Patience and Gentle Care

For most people, especially children, milia don’t require treatment. However, if you’re concerned about their appearance, consider these approaches:

Use gentle exfoliating treatments containing salicylic acid
Avoid heavy creams that can clog pores
Protect your skin from sun damage

It’s crucial to resist the urge to pop or remove milia yourself, as this can lead to scarring. For persistent or numerous milia, consult a dermatologist who can safely remove them.

When to Seek Medical Attention for Eyelid Bumps

While many eyelid bumps resolve on their own, certain situations warrant a visit to the doctor. When should you seek medical attention?

The bump is large, painful, and doesn’t improve with home treatment
You notice changes in the bump’s color or shape
The bump has an unusual color
You experience recurrent styes or chalazia
You have numerous milia that concern you
Your baby has milia that persist beyond 3 months

A healthcare professional can provide a proper diagnosis and recommend appropriate treatment options. In some cases, they may need to perform a biopsy to rule out more serious conditions.

Preventing Eyelid Bumps: Simple Habits for Healthy Eyelids

While not all eyelid bumps are preventable, you can reduce your risk by adopting good eye hygiene habits. What are some effective prevention strategies?

Remove eye makeup before going to bed
Clean and disinfect contact lenses regularly
Wash your hands before touching your eyes or inserting contact lenses
Manage underlying conditions like blepharitis or rosacea
Protect your skin from excessive sun exposure
Use non-comedogenic skincare products

By incorporating these habits into your daily routine, you can help maintain healthy eyelids and reduce the likelihood of developing bothersome bumps.

Understanding the Long-Term Outlook for Eyelid Bumps

The long-term prognosis for eyelid bumps varies depending on the type and underlying causes. What can you expect in the long run?

Styes and Chalazia

Most styes and chalazia resolve without complications. However, some individuals may be prone to recurrent bumps. In these cases, your doctor might:

Prescribe antibiotic-steroid ointments for frequent styes
Monitor for side effects of long-term steroid use
Perform a biopsy for recurrent chalazia to rule out other issues

Xanthelasma

The outlook for xanthelasma depends largely on managing underlying health conditions. Even with treatment, there’s a high recurrence rate after removal. Ongoing management of cholesterol levels and other risk factors is crucial.

Milia

Most milia resolve on their own, especially in children. However, secondary milia caused by skin damage may be permanent. Proper skincare and sun protection can help prevent new milia from forming.

Remember, while eyelid bumps can be bothersome, most are benign and manageable. By understanding the different types, causes, and treatment options, you can better care for your eye health and know when to seek professional help.

Types, Causes, Treatment, and Prevention

What Is an Eyelid Bump?

Eyelid bumps come in many forms, including styes, chalazia, xanthelasma, and milia. They might be white, red, or yellow. They don’t usually cause problems, but some can be a sign of a more serious problem.

Types of Eyelid Bumps

Here’s how to tell what kind of eyelid bump you have.

A stye looks like a pimple or a blister, usually along the outer rim of your eyelid. It’s red and painful to the touch.
A chalazion (or chalazia, if there’s more than one) will often grow on the underside of your eyelid, behind your eyelashes, or midway up your eyelid. These are more likely to form on your upper eyelid. A chalazion can look like a stye but may grow larger, up to the size of a pea. It’s also more likely to come back.
Xanthelasma are soft yellow collections of plaque under your skin, usually near your nose.
A milium (the plural form is milia) is a tiny white cyst. It’s common in children. Milia are also called oil seeds and milk spots.

Eyelid Bump Symptoms

Common symptoms of eyelid bumps include:

Swelling
Tenderness
Redness
Irritation
Blurry vision (with large chalazia)

Eyelid Bump Causes

A stye usually stems from an infection in an eyelid oil gland or eyelash follicle. Stress and hormonal changes can also cause it.

A chalazion happens when a tiny part of your eyelid called a meibomian gland becomes blocked. You can also get it from a stye that is no longer infected but has left hardened material stuck in a gland.

Blepharitis, a condition that causes your eyelids to become inflamed, often is linked to styes and chalazia. So is rosacea, a skin condition. Skin cancer also can cause styes and chalazia, though this is rare.

Xanthelasma can be a sign of cholesterol problems. They’re common in people who have a liver disorder called primary biliary cirrhosis. They may also happen in people who have skin conditions such as erythroderma, dermatosis, and contact dermatitis.

Milia happen when dead cells get trapped under your skin. Skin damage can also cause secondary or traumatic milia.

Eyelid Bump Treatment

Styes and chalazia usually clear up on their own in a few weeks, but there are ways you can move the process along:

Never poke, squeeze, or try to pop a stye or a chalazion. This could cause a more serious problem.
Put a warm, damp cloth on your eye several times a day.
Massage the swollen area gently to help drain the clogged gland. Remember: gently.
Once the bump drains, keep the area clean and keep your hands away from your eyes.
Go without eye makeup or contact lenses until the eyelid has healed. (Your contacts may hold bacteria that caused the infection).
Clean and disinfect your lenses before using them again, along with any accessories you’ve used.

Milia usually go away on their own. You shouldn’t try to pop or remove them, either. Use exfoliating treatments like salicylic acid to help get rid of dead cells.

If you have xanthelasma, your doctor should check your cholesterol levels. They might work with you on dietary changes and give you a medication such as a statin. This may help shrink the xanthelasma, but they won’t go away on their own. Your doctor can remove them by freezing or cutting them, or by using a laser or a chemical.

When to See Your Doctor

If you have a large, painful stye or chalazion that doesn’t go away, see an eye doctor. They may prescribe an antibiotic to help clear it up.

In severe cases, your doctor can drain the bump and give you antibiotics or a steroid injection to help it heal.

If the bump is an unusual color or seems to be changing color or shape, see your doctor right away.

If you have a lot of milia or if you’re worried about how they look, your doctor can remove them. Talk to your pediatrician if your baby has milia that don’t go away within 3 months.

Eyelid Bump Outlook

If you get a lot of styes because of blepharitis, your doctor might give you an antibiotic-steroid ointment. They’ll need to watch closely for side effects of long-term steroid use.

Some people are more likely to have chalazia that come back. Your doctor may want to take a sample from the area for a biopsy to rule out other problems.

Xanthelasma come back in up to 40% of people who have them surgically removed. That number is higher in people who’ve had more than one removal.

Trying to scrape off milia might cause scarring. Secondary milia can be permanent.

Eyelid Bump Prevention

There are things you can do to lower your odds of getting a stye or chalazion:

Take off eye makeup before you go to bed.
Disinfect your contact lenses.
Wash your hands before putting in your contacts or touching your eyes.

The best way to prevent xanthelasma may be to treat the other health conditions linked to them.

There’s no one way to keep from getting milia. You might make them less likely by protecting your skin from the sun, avoiding heavy creams, and exfoliating to get rid of dead cells.

Styes and Chalazia | Michigan Medicine

Topic Overview

What are styes and chalazia?

Styes and chalazia are lumps in or along the edge of an eyelid. They may be painful or annoying, but they are rarely serious. Most will go away on their own without treatment.

A stye is an infection that causes a tender red lump on the eyelid. Most styes occur along the edge of the eyelid. When a stye occurs inside the eyelid, it is called an internal hordeolum (say “hor-dee-OH-lum”).
A chalazion (say “kuh-LAY-zee-on”) is a lump in the eyelid. Chalazia (plural) may look like styes, but they are usually larger and may not hurt.

Styes and chalazia may be related to blepharitis, a common problem that causes inflammation of the eyelids.

What causes a stye or chalazion?

Styes are caused by a bacterial infection. Usually the bacteria grow in the root (follicle) of an eyelash. An internal hordeolum is caused by infection in one of the tiny oil glands inside the eyelid.

A chalazion forms when an oil gland in the eyelid becomes blocked. If an internal hordeolum doesn’t drain and heal, it can turn into a chalazion.

What are the symptoms?

A stye usually starts as a red bump that looks like a pimple along the edge of the eyelid.

As the stye grows, the eyelid becomes swollen and painful, and the eye may water.
Most styes swell for about 3 days before they break open and drain.
Styes usually heal in about a week.

A chalazion starts as a firm lump or cyst under the skin of the eyelid.

Unlike styes, chalazia often don’t hurt.
Chalazia grow more slowly than styes. If a chalazion gets large enough, it may affect your vision.
The inflammation and swelling may spread to the area surrounding the eye.
Chalazia often go away in a few months without treatment.

How is a stye or chalazion diagnosed?

Doctors diagnose these problems by closely examining the eyelid. It may be hard to tell the difference between a stye and a chalazion. If there is a hard lump inside the eyelid, the doctor will probably diagnose it as a chalazion.

How are they treated?

Home treatment is all that is needed for most styes and chalazia.

Apply warm, wet compresses for 5 to 10 minutes, 3 to 6 times a day. This usually helps the area heal faster. It may also help open a blocked pore so that it can drain and start to heal.
Use an over-the-counter treatment. Try an ointment (such as Stye), solution (such as Bausch and Lomb Eye Wash), or medicated pads (such as Ocusoft Lid Scrub).
Let the stye or chalazion open on its own. Don’t squeeze or open it.
Don’t wear eye makeup or contact lenses until the area has healed.

If a stye is not getting better with home treatment, talk to your doctor. You may need a prescription for antibiotic eye ointment or eyedrops. You may need to take antibiotic pills if infection has spread to the eyelid or eye.

If a stye gets very large, the doctor may need to pierce (lance) it so it can drain and heal. Do not try to lance it yourself.

If a chalazion does not go away or if it gets worse, a doctor may recommend an injection of steroid medicine or surgery to remove it.

How can you prevent styes and chalazia?

Don’t rub your eyes. This can irritate your eyes and let in bacteria. If you need to touch your eyes, wash your hands first.
Protect your eyes from dust and air pollution when you can. For example, wear safety glasses when you do dusty chores like raking or mowing the lawn.
Replace eye makeup, especially mascara, at least every 6 months. Bacteria can grow in makeup.
If you get styes or chalazia often, wash your eyelids regularly with a little bit of baby shampoo mixed in warm water.
Treat any inflammation or infection of the eyelid promptly.

References

Other Works Consulted
Dambro MR (2006). Hordeolum (stye). In Griffith’s 5-Minute Clinical Consult, p. 520. Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams and Wilkins.
Neff AG, et al. (2014). Benign eyelid lesions. In M Yanoff, JS Duker, eds., Ophthalmology, 3rd ed., pp. 1295–1305. Edinburgh: Mosby.
Trobe JD (2006). The red eye. Physician’s Guide to Eye Care, 3rd ed., chap. 4, pp. 47–51. San Francisco: American Academy of Ophthalmology.
Vagefi MR, et al. (2011). Lids and lacrimal apparatus. In P Riordan-Eva, ET Cunningham, eds., Vaughan and Asbury’s General Ophthalmology, 18th ed. , pp. 67–82. New York: McGraw-Hill.
Weinberg RS (2007). Diseases of the eyelid, conjunctiva, and anterior segment of the eye. In LR Barker et al., eds., Principles of Ambulatory Medicine, 7th ed., pp. 1816–1829. Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams and Wilkins.
Wright KW (2008). Pediatric “pink eye.” In Pediatric Ophthalmology for Primary Care, 3rd ed., pp. 159–187. Elk Grove Village, IL: American Academy of Pediatrics.

Credits

Current as of:
August 31, 2020

Author: Healthwise Staff
Medical Review:
Kathleen Romito MD – Family Medicine
Martin J. Gabica MD – Family Medicine
Adam Husney MD – Family Medicine
E. Gregory Thompson MD – Internal Medicine

Current as of: August 31, 2020

Author:
Healthwise Staff

Medical Review:Kathleen Romito MD – Family Medicine & Martin J. Gabica MD – Family Medicine & Adam Husney MD – Family Medicine & E. Gregory Thompson MD – Internal Medicine

Chalazion | AOA

A chalazion often starts out as a very small, red, tender, swollen area of the eyelid and is generally not an infection. In a few days, it may change to a painless, slow-growing lump the size of a pea and can often be confused with a stye (or hordeolum), which is an infection of an oil gland in the eyelid.

A stye produces a red, swollen, painful lump on the edge or the inside of the eyelid and usually occurs closer to the surface of the eyelid than chalazion. If left untreated, a stye can result in the formation of a chalazion. Do not attempt to squeeze or drain the chalazion as it may require treatment for proper healing.

Causes & risk factors 

Acne rosacea.

Chronic blepharitis (inflammation of the eyelids, often from excess bacteria).

Seborrhea.

Tuberculosis.

Viral infection.

Rarely chalazions may be an indication of an infection or skin cancer.

Symptoms 

Painless bump or lump in the upper eyelid or, less frequently, in the lower eyelid.

Caused by a thickening of the fluid in the oil (meibomian) glands of the eyelid.

Tearing and mild irritation may result as the obstructed glands are needed for healthy tears.

Blurred vision, if the chalazion is large enough to press against the eyeball.

More common in adults than children; most frequently occurs in people ages 30-50.

Typically disappears without treatment within several weeks to a month, although they often recur.

Diagnosis 

A chalazion is best diagnosed by a doctor of optometry, who can advise treatment options.

Necessary testing might include:

Patient history to determine symptoms and the presence of any general health problems that may be contributing to the eye problem.

External examination of the eye, including lid structure, skin texture and eyelash appearance.

Evaluation of the lid margins, base of the eyelashes and oil gland openings using bright light and magnification.

Treatment 

Most chalazions require minimal medical treatment and clear up on their own in a few weeks to a month.

Apply warm compresses to the eyelid for 10 to 15 minutes, 4 to 6 times a day for several days. The warm compresses may help soften the hardened oil that is blocking the ducts and allow drainage and healing. Create a warm compress by dipping a clean, soft cloth in warm water and then wringing it out. Remoisten the cloth frequently to keep it wet and warm.

Gently massage the external eyelids several minutes each day to help promote drainage.

Once the chalazion drains on its own, keep the area clean, and keep hands away from the eyes. If the chalazion does not drain and heal within a month, contact a doctor of optometry.

Again, do not attempt to squeeze or “pop” the chalazion, as it may inadvertently cause more damage.

If the chalazion does not go away after several weeks, it may require medical treatment, which may include an incision to drain or an injection of steroids to reduce the inflammation and swelling.

Prevention 

The best way to prevent a chalazion is with good hygiene.

Wash hands before touching around eyes or removing contact lenses.

Wash face at bedtime to remove dirt and makeup.

Remove eye makeup before going to bed and replace mascara, eyeliner and eye shadow every 3 months.

The doctor may recommend gentle eyelid scrubs to prevent chalazions from recurring.

Find a Doctor of Optometry

Chalazion: Symptoms, Causes, Treatments

Overview

A chalazion is a small swelling or lump in the eyelid.

What is a chalazion?

A chalazion is a red bump on your eyelid. It is sometimes called an eyelid cyst or a meibomian cyst. It slowly forms when an oil gland (called a meibomian) becomes blocked.

At first, the chalazion may be painful, but after a little time, it usually doesn’t hurt. A chalazion usually forms on the upper eyelids but may occasionally form on the lower eyelid.

Ordinarily, chalazia (the plural of chalazion) develop in adults between the ages of 30 and 50. They are not common in children, but they can happen.

Is a chalazion a stye?

A chalazion is not a stye, but it can form because of a stye. Styes are bacterial infections that cause the gland to swell. Styes can be painful. A chalazion generally isn’t painful and appears farther back on the eyelid.

Symptoms and Causes

What causes chalazia?

Chalazia may develop when something blocks a small oil gland in the eyelid. These glands help keep the eye moist. A blocked gland begins retaining oil and swells. Eventually, the fluid will drain, and you may have a hard lump on your eyelid.

Some additional causes of chalazia are:

What are the symptoms of a chalazion?

When you have a chalazion, you will notice the following symptoms:

Painless bump in your eyelid, usually on the upper lid.
Mild irritation, causing your eyes to water.
Blurred vision from larger chalazia that push on the eyeball.

Diagnosis and Tests

How is a chalazion diagnosed?

You will usually see an eye specialist when you have a chalazion. You might see an optometrist or an ophthalmologist. These healthcare providers can examine the chalazion and offer treatment options.

When you see the eye specialist, you should expect:

Health history: Give your complete health history. This information can help your provider find underlying issues that could be contributing to the formation of a chalazion.
External eye exam: Your provider will examine your eye, eyelid, eyelashes and skin texture.
Thorough eyelid exam: Eye specialists shine a bright light and use magnification to look at the base of your eyelashes. They also check the oil glands’ openings.

Management and Treatment

How do you treat a chalazion?

In most cases, you can treat a chalazion at home. Most chalazia go away in a month or less.

First, never push on a chalazion or try to pop it. You can injure your eye. Instead, for home treatment, try:

Warm compresses: Wet a clean washcloth with warm water. Hold it on the affected eye for 15 minutes. Do this at least three times a day to help the blocked oil gland open up.
Massage: Gently massage the eyelid a few times a day. Massage for a few minutes each day, using light to medium pressure. Gentle massage can help open the blocked oil gland.
Good hygiene: Don’t wear eye makeup while you have a chalazion. After the chalazion drains, keep the area clean. Follow good eye health practices, and avoid touching your eyes.

If the chalazion doesn’t go away, you should seek help from an eye specialist. The chalazion may need to have the fluid drained through a small incision. You may also need an injection of steroids to reduce swelling and inflammation.

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Prevention

Can a chalazion be prevented?

You may be able to avoid getting a chalazion by following good hygiene. Some essential elements of good hygiene include:

Hand-washing: Wash your hands thoroughly and often. Before you touch your eyes, make sure to wash your hands.
Contact lens care: Wash your hands before removing contact lenses. Make sure to thoroughly clean your contacts with a disinfectant and lens cleaning solution. Always throw daily and limited-time contacts away on schedule.
Face-washing: Wash your face daily to remove dirt and makeup before going to bed. Your healthcare provider may recommend cleaning your eyelids with a special scrub or baby shampoo, especially if you’re prone to blepharitis.
Makeup hygiene: Throw away all of your old or expired makeup. Be sure to replace mascara and eye shadow every two to three months. Also, never share or use another person’s makeup.

Outlook / Prognosis

How long will I have a chalazion?

With proper home management, a chalazion should heal in a week. If left untreated, it can take four to six weeks for the chalazion to heal.

Will I get more chalazia?

If you have one chalazion, you may get another. Always practice good hygiene to help prevent future chalazia.

Living With

When should I see an eye doctor?

If you have a chalazion that doesn’t go away with home treatment, see an eye specialist. They will be able to examine the eye and offer additional treatment options. You should also see your healthcare provider if you have recurring chalazia (eyelid bumps that come back).

A note from Cleveland Clinic

Keeping your eyes healthy is important for your vision and quality of life. Sometimes, though, things like styes and chalazia happen. While these troublesome eye problems can be unsightly, they are very treatable at home. Talk to your healthcare provider about things you can do to avoid these pesky eye problems.

Styes, Cysts, and Eyelid Growths

There are many forms of eyelid cysts; most of them show themselves as a localized swelling on the eyelid. Some are caused by infection, others by blocked glands. While most of these cysts go away on their own with treatment such as the application of warm compresses, others may need excision. Viruses cause other growths known as papillomas. Papillomas are removed by excision or cauterization.

Styes

A stye is an infection in the edge of the eyelid. Usually caused by staphylococcal bacteria, these infections occur in a gland at the base of an eyelash. Styes are common and can be painful. Most styes look like a small yellow, pus-filled spot on the edge of the eyelid. External styes appear along the edge of the eyelid and are caused by an infection in the hair follicle of an eyelash. Internal styes occur when a meibomian gland in the main part of the eyelid becomes infected. Internal styes form on the inside of the eyelid against the eyeball.

Usually no treatment is needed, although hot compresses can help. If, however, the stye persists, we may opt to drain it. With an external stye, we use a sterile needle or a scalpel to open the stye and drain the pus. With an internal stye, we numb the area with local anesthetic, flip the eyelid inside out and scrape out the stye.

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Chalazions

Chalazions are also called meibomian cysts. They are small, non-infectious lumps that develop in the eyelids due to a blockage of the meibomian gland, the oil gland in the eyelid. There are just under 100 meibomian glands in the eyelid. Chalazions often develop from an untreated stye. When the infection of the stye is left alone, the bacteria and debris can become a hard ball under the lid, a chalazion.

Chalazions usually resolve on their own, but this can take a few months. They can be treated with warm compresses, antibiotic ointments, or steroid injections. If they don’t resolve on their own, surgical drainage may be necessary. We numb the eyelid and then scrape out the cyst.

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Papillomas

Papillomas are small growths usually caused by a virus. Some are similar to warts. Most often papillomas are benign, but some may be precancerous or even malignant. They can grow to various sizes, but stay atop the skin of the eyelid. They are easy to remove, with minor excision or through cauterization.

Causes & Treatment of Chalazia

What is a chalazion?

A chalazion is a painless bump on your eyelid. It can affect the upper or lower eyelid. It is often confused with an eye stye (or hordeolum), but a chalazion is different in that it’s painless and is not caused by a bacterial infection. [Chalazion is pronounced “kah-LAY-zee-on” or “shah-LAY-zee-on”.]

Chalazia (plural for chalazion) are the result of healed internal styes that are no longer infectious. These cyst-like eyelid bumps form around an oil gland within the lid and can cause red, swollen eyelids.

How to identify a chalazion

The contents of a chalazion include pus and blocked fatty secretions (lipids) that normally help lubricate the eye but can no longer drain out.

Many chalazia eventually drain and heal on their own. You can help this process along by applying warm compresses to your eyelid. Gently massaging the lid can help, too.

But some chalazia can persist for several weeks or more and grow large enough to become cosmetically unappealing.

When these large, painless chalazia are left untreated, they may eventually begin to press on the cornea, temporarily causing astigmatism and blurry vision.

What causes a chalazion?

It’s often impossible to know what causes a chalazion. Risk factors include blepharitis and rosacea.

People with rosacea — characterized by facial redness and swollen bumps under the skin — are prone to certain eye problems, such as blepharitis and chalazia.

Rosacea can affect eyelids, the eye’s thin outer membrane (conjunctiva), the clear eye surface (cornea) and the white of the eye (sclera). Rosacea that affects the eye and surrounding tissues is called ocular rosacea.

Causes of rosacea itself can be difficult to pinpoint, although environment and inherited tendencies are likely factors. Certain microorganisms living in or near eyelash roots may also exacerbate inflammation around the eye.

Chalazion treatments

If you develop a chalazion, it’s best to see an eye doctor to determine the best way to get rid of this irritating bump on your eyelid before the condition leads to further eye complications.

Warm compress

Your eye doctor can provide you with instructions for how to apply warm compresses to your eyelid to help get rid of a chalazion or other eyelid bump. If you are prone to blepharitis, instructions for routine cleaning of your eyelids also may be given.

Medication

Your doctor may also prescribe a topical medication to treat your chalazion. In some cases, oral medications may be recommended to reduce risk factors for getting chalazia.

The most commonly prescribed oral medicines for blepharitis and meibomian gland dysfunction are antibiotics such as doxycycline. But topical and oral antibiotics often are ineffective at getting rid of a chalazion.

Surgery

A small, inconspicuous chalazion may require no treatment at all. However, some chalazia do not clear up on their own. These may cause the eyelid bumps to be persistent or even grow larger. In the case of a bothersome and persistent chalazion, your eye doctor may recommend a simple in-office surgery to excise it.

An eye surgeon will use local anesthesia to numb the area before making a small incision, typically from underneath the eyelid, to clear the contents of the chalazion without visible scarring.

An alternate procedure involves injecting the chalazion with a corticosteroid. A potential side effect of steroid injection is lightening of the surrounding skin, which can be more problematic for people with darker skin tones.

Can a chalazion be cancerous?

If a chalazion recurs in the same part of the eyelid or has a suspicious appearance, the removed tissue may be sent to a laboratory to rule out cancer. Fortunately, most chalazia are benign and harmless.

Chalazion prevention

With just a few simple steps, you can help avoid a recurrence of chalazia.

Wash your hands thoroughly after touching surfaces that may be unclean or have been touched by many other people.
Avoid touching your face and eyes throughout the day unless absolutely necessary.
Clean your hands thoroughly before putting in and removing your contact lenses.
Be sure to practice good eye hygiene before bed, including removing any eye makeup or other possible irritants.
Never share eye makeup or any cosmetic product used near your eyes.
Check the expiration dates on makeup products as well as eye creams, and toss out any that have expired.

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Page published in March 2019

Page updated in September 2021

Chalazion and Stye | Kellogg Eye Center

What Is a Chalazion?

Chalazion is a swelling in your eyelid caused by chronic inflammation of one of the small oil producing glands (meibomian glands) located in the upper and lower eyelids. This swelling is localized and often resembles a pea-like lump under your eyelid skin. A chalazion is usually a reaction to trapped oil secretions and not caused by bacteria, although the site can become secondarily infected by bacteria.

When a chalazion is small and without symptoms, it may disappear without treatment. If the chalazion is large, it may cause blurred vision by distorting the shape of your eye. A chalazion is sometimes confused with a stye, which also appears as a lump in the eyelid. Chalazions usually occur farther from the edge of the eyelid than styes, and are usually not very tender. A stye is an acute inflammatory infection of an eyelash follicle and forms a red, sore lump near the edge of the lid margin.

Symptoms

Lump and/or swelling in the eyelid
Blurred vision
Mild tenderness in the area of swelling

The symptoms described above may not necessarily mean that you have a chalazion. However, if you experience one or more of these symptoms, contact your ophthalmologist for a complete exam.

Causes

A chalazion is caused when the oil produced in meibomian glands becomes too thick to be secreted or the opening of the oil gland becomes too narrow for the oil to drain easily. The gland continues to produce oil but it has nowhere to drain so it causes enlargement of the gland and inflammation in the tissues surrounding it. This leads to the lump in the eyelid.

Risk Factors

People with various forms of blepharitis may be predisposed to chalazions.

Tests and Diagnosis

Chalazions are diagnosed clinically and there are no special tests that need to be performed.

Treatment and Drugs

Chalazions may be treated with one or a combination of the following:

Gentle massage to express the glandular secretions
Warm compresses for 5 to 10 minutes, 3 or 4 times a day
Antibiotic or steroid drops or injections
Surgical drainage

Chalazions usually respond well to treatment, although some people are prone to recurrences and may require continuing medication. If a chalazion recurs in the same place, your ophthalmologist may suggest a biopsy to rule out a more serious problem. Occasionally, a chalazion can cause the entire eyelid to swell suddenly.

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Reviewed by Jill E. Bixler, M.D.

Chalazion – a small bump on the eyelid or inside the eyelid. Symptoms, causes, treatment.

Chalazion is a painless lump on the eyelid. It can appear on both the upper and lower eyelids. It is often confused with barley , but chalazion differs from it in that it is painless and not caused by a bacterial infection.

Chalazions arise from healed internal barley, which no longer contains infection.These cyst-like formations on the eyelids form around the sebaceous gland inside the eyelid and can cause redness and swelling of the eyelids.

How to recognize chalazion

Chalazion contains pus and clogged fatty secretions (lipids) that normally lubricate the eyes, but which are blocked from flowing out.

Over time, many chalazions break through and pass on their own. You can help this process by applying warm compresses to your eyelid. You can also gently massage the eyelid.

But some chalazions do not go away for several weeks and grow so large that they become outwardly unattractive.

If left untreated, such painless chalazions can grow large and eventually begin to press on the cornea of the eye, temporarily causing astigmatism and blurred vision.

Where does the chalazion come from?

In many cases, the cause of the appearance of the chalazion cannot be determined. Risk factors include blepharitis and rosacea.

People with rosacea, a condition characterized by redness of the skin on the face and rashes under the skin, often develop certain eye conditions such as blepharitis and chalazions.

Rosacea can affect the eyelids, the thin outer mucous membrane of the eye (conjunctiva), the transparent surface of the eye (cornea) and the white membrane of the eye (sclera). It is known that rosacea, which affects the eyes and surrounding tissues, is called “ophthalmic rosacea.”

The causes of rosacea are difficult to determine, although environmental and genetic factors are likely factors. Certain microorganisms living in or around the roots of the eyelashes can also worsen inflammation around the eye.

How is chalazion treated?

If you develop chalazion, it is best to see an ophthalmologist who will determine an effective treatment option to get rid of this annoying lump on the eyelid before the condition leads to further eye complications.

Applying warm compress

Your ophthalmologist will instruct you on how to apply warm compresses to the eyelid to help get rid of lid lumps. If you have a predisposition to blepharitis, you may also be instructed to clean your eyelids regularly.

Medications

Your doctor may also prescribe topical medications to treat chalazion. In some cases, oral medications may even be recommended to reduce risk factors for the development of chalazions.

The most common oral medications prescribed for blepharitis and meibomian gland dysfunction are antibiotics such as doxycycline. Topical or oral antibiotics are usually ineffective for the direct treatment of chalazions that do not contain an active infectious component for which such an approach would be required.

Surgical treatment

Small, inconspicuous bumps on the eyelids do not require any treatment at all. However, some blockages causing chalazions will not go away on their own. In this case, the bumps on the eyelids may not pass for a long time or even grow. If an annoying, persistent chalazion develops, the ophthalmologist may recommend a simple outpatient surgery to remove it.

The ophthalmic surgeon uses local anesthesia to numb the skin area before making a small incision, usually on the inside of the eyelid, to clear the lump contents without visible scarring.

An alternative procedure involves injecting a corticosteroid into the chalazion to get rid of the lump on the eyelid. A potential side effect of steroid injections is lightening of the surrounding skin, which can be more problematic for people with dark skin.

Can a chalazion develop into a malignant tumor?

In some cases, when chalazion reappears in the same area of the eyelid or has a suspicious appearance, the removed tissue can be sent to a laboratory to exclude the growth of a malignant tumor.Fortunately, most of the bumps on the eyelids are benign and harmless.

Preventing the development of the chalazion

With a few simple steps, you can avoid the recurrence of the chalazion.

Always wash your hands thoroughly after touching dirty surfaces and surfaces that have been touched by a large number of people.
Try to avoid touching your face and eyes during the day unless absolutely necessary.
Always handle your hands thoroughly before putting on or removing contact lenses.
Remember to do good eye hygiene before bed, including removing makeup or other irritating cosmetic ingredients from your eyes.
Never let other people use their make-up or other eye cosmetics.
Check the expiration dates of cosmetics and eye creams.Throw away expired products.

Page published in November 2020

Page updated March 2021

90,000 Neoplasm (lump) in the eyelid: causes, diagnosis and treatment

The appearance of a “lump” on the eyelid is a fairly common complaint of our Patients. A lump can form both on the lower and upper eyelids, as well as on both at the same time.In some cases, the neoplasm on the eyelid hurts and festers, and in some it does not bother at all and brings only cosmetic discomfort. In order to find out the reasons for the appearance of a lump and get rid of it, we advise you to consult an ophthalmologist.

Causes of neoplasm on the eyelid

“Bumps” on the eyelid are of different nature. Let’s consider the main options:

Chalazion

Chalazion is a neoplasm that occurs as a result of blockage of the sebaceous gland in the eyelid. This happens when the pathways for the outflow of secretions (substances produced by the gland) are blocked, and therefore it accumulates inside the duct. Gradually, the duct stretches and turns into a hard lump that surrounds a dense capsule. During palpation (a physical diagnostic method carried out by feeling parts of the patient’s body), this capsule rolls under the fingers like a ball.

Chalazion forms slowly on the eyelid, and the Patient feels pain only after the capsule appears.But even in the absence of painful sensations, you should not postpone the consultation of a doctor: a cyst may form at the site of the chalazion, and suppuration of the tissues of the eyelid of the eye may occur, which is dangerous to health.

Chalazion requires special ophthalmic treatment – conservative or surgical.

Furuncle

A particularly dangerous type of “lump” on the eyelid – a furuncle – arises from purulent inflammation of the hair follicle of the eyelashes and sebaceous glands. This inflammation is caused by the bacteria Staphylococcus aureus.

Usually, a boil forms on the upper eyelid, next to the eyebrow. The furuncle develops gradually – from a small nodule, which may be accompanied by swelling, to a “lump” with a small yellowish abscess.

Often the boil is accompanied by fever, headache and general weakness. If not properly treated, boils can lead to serious vein problems in the eye.

Barley

Another common type of “bump” on the eyelid is barley.This is an inflammatory process of the follicle (bulb) of the eyelash, which develops as a result of blockage of the sebaceous gland. Normally, the sebaceous gland produces a special secret to protect the eyelashes from adverse environmental influences.

The first symptoms of barley are the sensation of a foreign body in the eye and pain. If you do not start treatment of this disease on time, redness and purulent inflammation occur at the site of the lump.

Milium

The most harmless neoplasm that causes only aesthetic discomfort is milium or millet. Such a “cone” can be of different sizes – from a poppy seed to a buckwheat grain. Milium looks like white eel and does not pose a threat to human health. However, do not touch them with your hands so as not to infect the infection.

Miliums are removed, as a rule, in a beauty salon.

Diagnosis and treatment of lumps on the eyelid

Only an ophthalmologist can determine the true cause and type of seal on the eyelid during a consultation or diagnostic examination.Treatment of neoplasms is selected individually in each case and can be carried out both medically and surgically.

As you can see, there are many reasons for the appearance and types of neoplasms before our eyes, so only a specialist can determine their “nature”. Experienced doctors work in the Eye Clinic of Dr. Belikova and use modern equipment, which allows an accurate diagnosis to be made as soon as possible, as well as to carry out the most effective manipulations.

Lump on the eyelid – causes and treatment

The appearance of a lump on the upper or lower eyelid is a fairly common problem. Occasionally, such a nuisance can occur even on both eyelids at the same time. There are times when the bumps that appear fester and hurt, but often, they do not cause any particular inconvenience, but they look very unattractive. The bumps on the eyelids are large or tiny – no more than a grain of millet. And yet, each of them deserves attention and serious attitude towards themselves because of the possible threat to eyesight.

Chalazion

The bump caused by this disease is considered one of the most common problems. In other words, it is also called “hailstones” and “cold barley”. The cause of the appearance of a chalazion on the eyelid is a blockage of the sebaceous glands. When the outlet for the sebaceous secretion is blocked, the contents, which are constantly formed, cannot find an outlet to the outside and accumulates inside the duct. After some time, the sebaceous secretion stretches the duct and gradually hardens.If you touch such a bump, it is easy to feel the dense chalazion capsule, which rolls like a ball under your fingers.

Chalazion develops slowly, painful sensations on palpation appear only when the accumulated secret has formed a capsule. But even in the case of an almost painless course, it is better not to delay with the treatment of chalazion, so that cysts do not form. In addition to pain, chalazion can be accompanied by local redness of the conjunctiva. In its acute period, the following are possible: suppuration, granulation (excessive proliferation of tissue), the appearance of a fistula through which pus leaves.

Naturally, chalazion is rarely absorbed. As a rule, such a lump needs to be treated, which is what an ophthalmologist does. In this case, the treatment can be conservative or operative. Usually, early on, your doctor may prescribe UHF therapy, certain eye drops, and mercury ointment. Painful chalazions at a later stage are treated with corticosteroid injections (directly inside the capsule), ointments and drops (sodium sulfacil, ofloxacin, hydrocortisone, dexamethasone, levofloxacin and tetracycline ointment). If drug treatment does not give the desired effect, the question of an operation is raised. Chalazion removal is performed on an outpatient basis under local anesthesia. The whole procedure lasts 10-15 minutes, after which the patient goes home.

Barley

This disease is widespread, almost more than chalazion. With barley, a painful lump occurs on the lower or upper eyelid due to inflammation of the ciliary bulb (follicle). Both adults and children are susceptible to this ailment.

Barley is an inflammatory disease that occurs due to blockage of the sebaceous duct, the secret from which lubricates the eyelash, thereby protecting it from the external environment.

Barley is of two varieties: external, when the sebaceous gland becomes inflamed, or internal, resulting from inflammation of the meibomian gland.

At the first stage of the appearance of external barley, the patient feels the presence of a foreign body in the eye or stabbing pain. With internal barley, the lump on the eyelid is not so noticeable, although it delivers no less discomfort.

In the absence of treatment, a couple of days after the appearance of swelling and redness, a head of purulent contents appears on the lump, which spontaneously opens and disappears after a few days.

Still, barley heals better. Firstly, it will speed up recovery, and secondly, it will help to avoid unpleasant complications, such as the development of chalazion. Moreover, if the barley does not go away on its own within 2 weeks, a visit to a specialist is required! The ophthalmologist will open the barley under local anesthesia and very soon recovery will come.

The complex of therapeutic measures for barley includes the use of various antibiotics in drops and ointments. For example, solutions of albucide, gentatsimin, penicillin, erythromycin, as well as rhytromycin and tetracycline ointment.

Prosyanka

This is one of the most harmless bumps, the appearance of which on the eyelid does not cause any trouble except for aesthetic discomfort. Miliums, they are miliums, have different sizes. From the smallest – less poppy seed, to rather large – with medium rice. Miliums can appear in both the lower and upper eyelids with almost equal frequency. At their core, they are whiteheads localized in the eye area.

Miliums can appear in everyone, and even in those who have never encountered skin problems.It is better to remove mildews from a beautician, because only a specialist can guarantee safety.

To prevent milia, you need to monitor your diet and from time to time make masks to exfoliate keratinized skin particles, which can close pores and clog the ducts of the sebaceous glands.

Xanthelasma

This is not a lump, but a flat plaque. The problem of xanthelasma is more often faced by women, with hypercholesterolemia, diabetes and a number of other diseases. Xanthelasmas are yellowish in color and rise very slightly above the surface of the skin.They can appear on the eyelids, on the skin near the eyes, on the face. A single lump of xanthelasma is rare, as a rule, they appear in groups and never go away on their own. This is due to the fact that xanthelasma is the result of a violation of lipid metabolism, which is caused by an underlying disease. If such a problem occurs, it is imperative to notify the attending physician, who will advise what to do.

Furuncle

A boil on the eyelid is one of the most dangerous bumps. The disease causes purulent necrotic inflammation of the ciliary follicle, sebaceous glands, and the surrounding connective tissue.The main cause of the occurrence of a boil is staphylococcus aureus.

Usually, the localization of the boil becomes the part of the upper eyelid close to the eyebrow. Much less often, a bump occurs on the edge of the eyelid, very close to the eye.

In its development, the disease goes through the following stages: first, a small painful nodule appears and the surrounding tissues swell (sometimes the eyelid and the entire side of the face swell), after a few days, a yellowish abscess appears at the top of the node. Then the node fluctuates, the abscess is opened with emptying of the contents.On the eyelid, after opening the boil, a cork (rod) remains, consisting of purulent masses and necrosis products, which after a while spontaneously comes out. In place of the boil, as a rule, a small scar remains.

A painful lump and swelling are far from the only signs of a boil, often the patient feels weakness, headache and fever.

Treatment of a boil must necessarily be carried out by a doctor who will prescribe the necessary medications (antibiotics, sulfonamides, painkillers) and, if necessary, open the abscess.It is forbidden to squeeze out boils on your own.

Papilloma

Papilloma is a small formation that can occur on any part of the skin or mucous membrane. The eye area is also quite suitable for this. The causative agent of such a lump on the eyelid is the human papillomavirus. Papilloma does not hurt and does not give swelling of tissues, the discomfort from it is limited to cosmetic unattractiveness.

A papilloma lump is a small wart-like growth with a rough surface.The body of the formation is attached to the eyelid by means of a thin leg, although sometimes papillomas are flat, to the touch resembling a cauliflower inflorescence. When the surface of the formation is smooth, this is not a papilloma, so it is better to visit an oncologist and find out the essence of the disease.

And even when there is complete confidence that the lump on the eyelid is a papilloma, it is still worth contacting a specialist, because it is located very close to the eye, and this can be dangerous for eyesight. After finding out the type of education, the doctor will prescribe drug therapy or suggest removing the lump with the help of simple surgical manipulation.Today, eyelid skin formations are removed by means of cryodestruction, electro- or laser coagulation, which practically leave no traces afterwards.

The above are just a few of the possible options for what a lump on the eyelid might be. For an accurate diagnosis of formations in the area of the eye and eyelids, it is necessary to visit an ophthalmologist.

At the Moscow Eye Clinic medical center, everyone can be examined using the most modern diagnostic equipment, and based on the results, they can get advice from a highly qualified specialist.The clinic consults children from 4 years old. We are open seven days a week and work daily from 9 am to 9 pm. Our specialists will help to identify the cause of decreased vision, and will carry out competent treatment of the identified pathologies.

To clarify the cost of a particular procedure, make an appointment at the Moscow Eye Clinic, you can call 8 (800) 777-38-81 (daily from 9:00 to 21:00, free of charge for mobile phones and regions of the Russian Federation) or using online registration form.

90,000 causes of appearance, symptoms and treatment

Among the eye diseases, there are many that cannot be identified on their own – and in the event that it is nevertheless clear that there is a problem, it is not always possible to solve it on our own. Some diseases are more troublesome than others, and when it comes to eyes, it is worth taking care of your health as early as possible.

For example, a common disease called chalazion entails many complications. It affects the upper and lower eyelids with almost the same frequency, but the bottom is somewhat less common. It can be easily confused with the usual inflammation of the eyelid, which occurs due to computer work and fatigue – but only at the initial stage.The further it goes, the more obvious it is that things are much more serious.

What is a chalazion?

Chalazion is an inflammation of the meibomian gland, which can occur more often in a child than in an adult. It develops in just a couple of days and at an early stage looks like a painful swelling. The eyelid turns red, the skin becomes more sensitive, the temperature of the inflamed area rises.

At the same time, the chalazion is not contagious, so you should not be afraid that you can pass it on to someone else. However, once again, the swelling, of course, should not be touched, even if you have just washed your hands and are not going to contact anyone – it can be very unpleasant for you.

In addition, if this disease is not negated in time, the lump on the eyelid can develop into a cyst, and then the help of a surgeon will be required.

Chalazion symptoms

At an early stage, it may be a small pimple on the lower eyelid or inside the eyelid, which, if left untreated, can even grow to the size of an olive.
Among other things, if you touch the skin that is reddened and tense due to swelling, you will immediately notice how hot it is.
If the chalazion is internal, it will be possible to see it only if the eyelid is turned out. The lump inside the eye only gives discomfort, but from the outside everything looks like a simple redness with a small swelling.

How to understand if it is chalazion or barley?

These two diseases are indeed often confused, but they even affect different zones. Chalazion affects the meibomian gland, and barley affects the hair follicle in the area of eyelash growth. In addition, in the event of barley, an area filled with pus appears in the swelling heart. A purulent nodule on the eyelid can break through on its own, and then the disease disappears. You just can’t get rid of chalazion: you need either drugs or the services of a surgeon, if the lump has already grown to a cyst.

Reasons for the appearance of chalazion

This disease develops due to a blockage of the tubules, thanks to which the meibomian glands provide lubrication to the surface of the eye.Blockage can occur for a variety of reasons, but the outcome is always the same: the gland becomes inflamed, increases in size, and if dirt is added to the eye, an infection also affects.

In addition, chalazion does not always appear on its own: sometimes its development provokes dry eye syndrome or some other inflammatory process – for example, rosacea.

Treatment and prevention

Regardless of whether a child begins a chalazion or an adult, it is necessary to treat with the same urgency – and at an early stage.The first step is to go to an ophthalmologist – and only then follow all his recommendations at home.

Many people with chalazion are prone to relapses. In this case, it is necessary to carefully monitor the hygiene of the eyelids and massage them daily with a healing gel or special napkins.

Sometimes the chalazion goes away on its own – but extremely rarely. Do not wonder if this will happen to you, otherwise it can be delayed and then surgical removal will be required.

Most often, physiotherapy with heating is prescribed to soften the secretion of the inflamed gland. Therefore, if you doubted whether it is possible to heat a chalazion, there is nothing to worry about – there is nothing to worry about. And if the swelling appeared in parallel with any other disease, most likely, you will be prescribed eye drops.

Take care of your health in time and prevent the development of the disease!

Gradina on the eye. Why there is a chalazion and how it differs from barley | Healthy life | Health

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Chalazion is confused by many with barley, because their initial symptoms are similar.This is swelling, redness of the eyelid, and then the gradual formation of a seal on it. True, further events develop according to a different scenario: with barley, an abscess is formed, and the chalazion remains a dense lump. It is usually painless, but gradually increases over time.

Another difference – with barley, compaction occurs at the very edge of the eyelid, because this disease develops due to inflammation of the hair follicle of the eyelash or sebaceous gland next to the ciliary bulb.But the chalazion “settles” in the century itself, because its cause is changes in other sebaceous glands, the meibomian ones. They are not located on the surface, but in the inner, cartilaginous layer of the eyelid. Their main task is to produce a fatty secretion that prevents the tear fluid from prematurely evaporating from the surface of the eye. If the duct of the meibomian gland is blocked for some reason, the fatty secretion begins to accumulate in it. The immune system “detects” this disorder and tries to cope with it.Because of this, inflammation can occur, but more often the body is simply fenced off from the malfunctioning gland – it surrounds it with a fibrous capsule. True, the iron does not stop working at the same time – the secret continues to accumulate in it, and the hailstone continues to grow.

Is the danger small?

Although chalazion is a fairly common complaint when contacting an ophthalmologist, doctors themselves consider it far from the most serious problem. Unlike inflammatory diseases of the eyelids and eyes, the “hailstone” has almost no effect on vision.Only in advanced cases, when the chalazion is very large, can it press on the eyeball, leading to the development of astigmatism and visual distortions. The main problem is cosmetic: a pea on the eyelid spoils the appearance, interferes with the use of mascara, and sometimes turns red. That is why the majority of people who “got acquainted” with chalazion eventually come to the doctor.

True, not everyone rushes to a specialist right away. Ophthalmologists note: in older people, chalazion is often neglected.Initially, it occurs in them in adulthood, when they are no longer so sensitive to their appearance as in their youth. And since the hailstone doesn’t hurt, they just wave at it. Meanwhile, after 45 years, such frivolity is especially dangerous. Starting from this age, the risk of cancer of the meibomian glands increases, the symptoms of which are initially similar to those of chalazion. Therefore, the sooner you visit your doctor, the better.

An early visit to a specialist is useful for another reason. At the initial stages, chalazion can be cured conservatively – with the help of absorbable ointments, physiotherapy, corticosteroid preparations. When the hailstones are running, the exit is just an operation. However, if this is your case, you should not be afraid. It is not difficult, it is performed on an outpatient basis, and recovery usually takes 5-7 days.

The cause is stress and … gastritis

It is not always possible to find out why the chalazion appeared. If the case is one-off, this is not necessary. But if the hailstone appears again and again, it must be done, otherwise the series of operations can become endless.

There are many risk factors, and only some of them are associated with the condition of the eyelids and eyes.So, chalazion is often formed against the background of previous conjunctivitis or blepharitis. The inflammatory process in these diseases is accompanied by edema, and it interferes with the outflow of contents from the meibomian glands.

Skin diseases such as seborrhea and rosacea (rosacea) increase the risk: against the background of them, the sebaceous glands are more often “clogged”, including in the eyelids. By the way, oily skin itself is an additional factor contributing to the development of chalazion.

The cause of problems with the eyelids can be … chronic gastritis, enterocolitis, intestinal dysbiosis.Don’t be surprised – they have a negative effect on skin condition and metabolism. So, if a chalazion occurs, it is advisable to visit a gastroenterologist and undergo an examination.

And finally, chalazion can “pop up” when immunity decreases against the background of colds, hypothermia, stress. Try to avoid them, or at least give the body the opportunity to fully recover. Sometimes you need to worry less, observe the daily routine, sleep enough and eat right, so that the nodules on the eyelids stop “tying”.