Chalazia are cysts in the eyelids caused by blocked tear glands. They can be mistaken for styes or pink eye but can usually be diagnosed by a doctor’s examination. Treatment involves warm compresses, and surgery may be necessary if the cyst doesn’t go away or keeps coming back. Complications can include vision impairment and skin cancer.
Chalazia are cysts that form in the eyelids. They form due to tiny tear glands in the eyelids blocked by oily secretions that harden. Chalazions are annoying, but tend to resolve without treatment after about a month. Rarely, chalazia can indicate skin cancer. Evaluation of the chalazion, or a single chalazion, is recommended to rule out this possibility.
Chalazia are often confused with styes or styes, which are eyelash hair follicles that have become infected with bacteria. When people are affected by chalazia, they may notice significant swelling in the eyelid. Usually, only one chalazion is formed. The eye can water quite easily and those affected may notice an increased sensitivity to light, called photosensitivity. Touching the eyelid usually causes pain, as it is extremely tender and sensitive. You may also feel a hard bump as the cyst forms.
Chalazia are often mistaken for other types of eye infections such as pinky. Generally, examination by a doctor will result in the appropriate diagnosis of chalazia. No special testing is required. The doctor simply has to examine the eyelid to determine the presence of chalazia.
Treatment of chalazia is also quite simple. Patients are asked to apply warm compresses to the eyes for about 15 minutes, three or more times a day. Compression can help clear the blockage. Unlike conditions like pinkie, chalazia usually don’t need to be treated with antibiotic ointment, as they aren’t infectious in origin. A chalazion is also unlikely to spread to the other eye.
Chalazion complications can occur if the cyst doesn’t clear up within a month or when people get a chalazion repeatedly in the same location. A chalazion that keeps coming back could be skin cancer and should be biopsied to rule out cancer. Chalazia that fails to go away may require surgical removal if it doesn’t respond to treatment.
Occasionally chalazia can form large cysts that temporarily impair vision, causing astigmatism. Astigmatism resolves when the chalazion disappears, but it can present problems for those who are not otherwise visually impaired. Doctors may recommend not driving until your vision returns to normal.
Chalazia tends to respond well to treatment and does not recur. While the initial pain can be quite uncomfortable, several days of treatment begin to resolve it. However, treatment should not be stopped without medical advice.
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