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A meibomian cyst, also known as a chalazion, is a lump that forms on the eyelid due to inflammation caused by a blockage or thickening of the meibomian glands. It is usually not painful but can lead to infections if left untreated. Warm compresses and massaging the affected gland can help, but surgery may be required in some cases.
A meibomian cyst is an alternative name for a chalazion, a cyst that occurs on the eyelid. The name makes sense when you understand that the glands on the eyelids are sometimes called meibomian glands. If a gland has a sudden thickening of the sebum or oily substance it secretes, or if a gland itself blocks the secretion by shrinking, the result can be inflammation of the eyelid and the formation of a lump that may be noticeable and will eventually rupture .
The most common symptom of a meibomian cyst is a hard, noticeable lump on the eyelid. This can occur on the upper or lower eyelid but most commonly occurs on the upper eyelid. Eyelid inflammation may also be present. Chalazions are usually not painful, although some people feel that their eyes are tired. If one of these cysts is painful, it could indicate an infection.
Another thing that could suggest an eye infection is if the swelling looks like a pimple. This is called a hordeolum or stye (stye) and can result from a burst meibomian cyst, although a chalazion does not need to be present to cause a stye. As mentioned, it is usually more painful and should be a symptom to look for after the chalazion has resolved. Styes may require antibiotic treatment, especially if people get them frequently. Chalazia are distinct from styes because they are typically not caused by a bacterial infection.
People who have a meibomian cyst should see a doctor. There is definitely a risk of infection when the cyst bursts and doctors may wish to prescribe prophylactic antibiotics to minimize this risk. The prescribed home treatment for a meibomian cyst is usually to use warm compresses on the affected eye. Circular massaging of the affected gland might also be helpful in helping the cyst drop and return the eyes to normal health.
In some circumstances a chalazion does not resolve and remains unsightly and annoying. If any of these cysts persist, doctors can remove them. This surgery does not show or change the external appearance of the eye, in most cases, because it takes place inside the eyelid. It is usually an outpatient procedure performed under local anesthesia.
A meibomian cyst is usually not a serious condition, but it can cause infections. Although in many cases these cysts resolve without problems, sometimes a cyst can last a long time and require surgery. For these reasons, people should see a doctor if they have one of these cysts to get the best treatment advice.
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