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Chalazion– Definition, Symptoms, and Treatments

The eyes play an important role in the entire human body as it helps us in seeing our surroundings and keep us alert. However, there can be occasions where the eyes develop vision issues. The definition, causes, symptoms, and treatments for chalazion will be discussed.

What is a Chalazion?

A chalazion is a red bump that appears on the eyelid of either of the eyes. It is also known as an eyelid cyst or meibomian cyst. Initially, it might be painful, but it does not hurt after some time.

It is also important to remember that a chalazion usually develops in adults aged 30 to 50 years. Although children can also develop a chalazion in their eyes, it is rare. Finally, before we begin to understand the causes of a chalazion in eye, it is important to understand that the meibomian glands can become blocked for any reason and thus create a chalazion.

Causes and Symptoms of Chalazion

The question “What is Chalazion?” was answered earlier. Once an individual suffers from a chalazion in the eye, it becomes important to understand the causes and symptoms. Doing so will provide a better understanding of chalazion and ensure that it does not reoccur. Here are the most common chalazion causes:

  1. Acne Rosacea
  2. Viral Infections
  3. Seborrhea
  4. Tuberculosis
  5. Chronic blepharitis caused due to excess bacteria

With the chalazion causes mentioned, it becomes important to understand the symptoms of a chalazion. In addition, it is important to note that once an individual develops a chalazion, it can reoccur. Therefore, the symptoms will help understand the best way of providing a treatment method that helps reduce the chances of chalazion. These symptoms have been mentioned below:

  1. A painless bump or lump on the upper or lower eyelid
  2. Mild irritation and watery discharge as the meibomian gland is blocked
  3. In case the chalazion is large, it can cause blurry vision

With the chalazion causes and symptoms mentioned, it becomes easier for the affected individual to get proper treatment for chalazion. Therefore, looking out for the following risk factors can help in reducing the chances of the vision issue recurring:

  1. Health issues like diabetes
  2. Skin conditions like acne rosacea or seborrheic dermatitis
  3. Eyelid inflammations
  1. A previous case of chalazion

With the causes, symptoms and risk factors mentioned here, it becomes easier to manage the condition. Therefore, it reduces the chances of chalazion happening after it happened to you. The next step is to understand the best ways to ensure chalazion in eye is diagnosed properly.  

How is a Chalazion diagnosed?

The proper diagnosis of a Chalazion is possible when a professional eye care provider examines the affected eye. Since no diagnostic tests can help diagnose chalazion in eye, the eye care provider will mostly enquire about the patient’s medical history. It will help detect symptoms or general health issues that may be a factor for chalazion. In addition, the affected eye will be examined concerning its structure, skin texture, and eyelash appearance:

  1. Eyelid margins
  2. Base of the eyelashes  
  3. Oil gland openings 

All of the above areas are examined with the help of magnification and bright light. With all the above eye and health examinations, it is easy to rule out any other issues and understand you are suffering from a chalazion. However, before understanding the methods used to treat chalazion in eye, it is important to learn the difference between chalazion and stye.

Difference Between Chalazion and Stye

Any swelling in the eye can be painful and cause vision issues like blurry vision or more, as explained earlier. However, it is important to remember that the sudden appearance of swelling on the eyelids can occur due to any issues. When diagnosing the swelling on the eyelid, the eye care provider may mistake the swelling as a stye instead of a chalazion. Therefore, it becomes necessary to understand the distinctions between a chalazion in the eye and a stye. The symptoms of a stye and a chalazion should be helpful in understanding:

Symptoms of a stye

  • Crusty layer on the eyelid margin
  • Pain in the affected eyelid
  • Light sensitivity
  • A scratchy feeling in the eye
  •  A feeling of something in the eye
  • Tearing in the affected eye

On the other hand, a chalazion is mostly signified by a hard bump on the eye. Some other symptoms that can help an eye care provider identify it as a chalazion in eye are as follows:

  • Blurry vision if the size of the swelling is large enough
  • Swelling that affects a larger area of the eye

Additionally, it is important to remember that a stye can turn into a chalazion if the infection is reduced, but the material is stuck in the meibomian gland. With the differences mentioned above, it becomes easier for the eye care provider to provide the best steps in the process of chalazion treatment. Doing so will help in the proper treatment of chalazion in eye.

Treatments for Chalazion

When diagnosed with chalazion, it goes away quickly. However, if the chalazion in eye doesn’t reduce within a week, it’s important to get advice from a professional eye care expert. They will create proper steps for chalazion treatment, ensuring that the process of treating chalazion in eye is done faster.

Medical Treatment

After the swelling has been diagnosed as chalazion in eye, the eye care provider would check it. They will also provide instructions on how to take care of them. If the ointments or eye drops do not work, then the eye care provider will do the following to reduce swelling:

  • Prescribe medications
  • Steroid injections

However, in severe cases of chalazion, the eye care provider may need to perform a chalazion surgery. It will help reduce the swelling and faster recovery from the chalazion in the eye.

Home Treatment

Alternatively, chalazion in the eye can also be treated by applying warm moist heat to the affected area with a clean cloth. However, it is important to ensure that this process of chalazion treatment is done after the advice of a professional eye care provider. Apart from the above, gently scrubbing the eye with a mild cleanser and massaging the affected eye can help open up the meibomian gland.

All of the steps mentioned above are the best ways in chalazion treatment. Apart from the above, the eye care provider may also remove a piece of tissue. It will help in ruling out any case of sebaceous gland carcinoma developing. The following symptoms make it necessary for a checkup:

  • If the home treatments are not working or increasing vision issues.
  • The eyelid feels hot to touch
  • Sudden vision changes

Therefore, preventing a chalazion’s reoccurrence can help reduce vision issues. In addition, Nikon Lenswear’s wide range of eyewear can help the eyes stay safe from dust, debris, and UV light emitted from the sun.

Conclusion

What is chalazion? The best way to prevent chalazion in eye is by maintaining basic hygiene, removing makeup and dirt from your eyes, and renewing eye products every three months. In addition, a gentle eye scrub can reduce the occurrence of chalazion.

FAQs

How does a chalazion drain naturally?

A chalazion can be drained naturally with the help of a clean cloth that has been warmed. It can help reduce the chance of pain or further swelling.

How do you know if a chalazion is healing?

The best way to know that a chalazion is healing is when its size reduces gradually. However, if it does not reduce in size after home treatments, it is important to get it checked by an experienced eye care professional.

How to treat chalazion?

Depending on the severity of the chalazion, home treatments or medical treatments can help in its treatment.

Is a chalazion a stye?

A chalazion is a form of stye that occurs when the meibomian gland of the eyes gets blocked and hardens on the upper or lower eyelid.