A chalazion is a common, non-infectious lump that can form on the eyelid, often causing cosmetic concern or vision changes. While many chalazia resolve on their own, a steroid injection is a frequent and effective medical intervention to help reduce the inflammation and accelerate healing. This treatment offers a less invasive alternative to surgical removal for persistent cases.
Understanding Chalazions and Steroid Injections
A chalazion is a swollen bump on the eyelid that develops when a small oil-producing meibomian gland becomes blocked. When the gland opening is obstructed, accumulated oil and fluid cause irritation, forming a firm, painless lump. Initial symptoms might include slight redness or swelling, which typically subsides, leaving behind a noticeable bump.
Steroid injections, using corticosteroids like triamcinolone acetonide (Kenalog), treat chalazia. The steroid reduces inflammation and swelling within the blocked gland. Corticosteroids suppress inflammatory cells, allowing the body to reabsorb accumulated material more effectively. This targeted approach aims to shrink the chalazion without surgical incision.
Expected Resolution Timeframe
After a steroid injection, the resolution of a chalazion is not typically instantaneous and can vary from person to person. While some individuals may notice improvement within a few days, it generally takes several weeks for the chalazion to significantly reduce in size or fully resolve. One study indicated that 81.3% of chalazions showed a 50% reduction in size within four weeks, with 83% achieving complete resolution within six weeks after an injection.
Complete resolution following a single triamcinolone acetonide injection averages around 15.7 days, though reassessment is suggested after four to six weeks. Continuing warm compresses and gentle massage after the injection supports the healing process. While the steroid shrinks the lump, its full effect may take time to manifest.
Factors Affecting Healing Time
Several factors can influence how quickly a chalazion resolves after a steroid injection. The size and duration of the chalazion before treatment play a role; smaller, newer chalazia may respond more rapidly than larger, more chronic ones. The individual’s unique response to the corticosteroid also impacts healing, as some people’s inflammatory cells are more sensitive to the medication. While the concentration of the steroid can affect success rates, higher concentrations may also increase the chance of potential complications.
Whether it is the first injection or a repeat treatment can also influence the outcome. Some chalazia, particularly those associated with underlying conditions like blepharitis, might require multiple injections to achieve full resolution. If a chalazion does not fully resolve after the initial injection, a second injection may be considered after a few weeks.
When Further Intervention is Needed
While steroid injections are often effective, a chalazion may not always resolve completely or might recur. If the chalazion persists or grows larger after a few weeks to a month following the steroid injection, further medical advice is warranted. Signs indicating further intervention include continued swelling, pain, or if the chalazion begins to affect vision by pressing on the eyeball.
Options for persistent chalazia include a repeat steroid injection, especially if the initial injection showed some improvement but not full resolution. Alternatively, a surgical procedure called incision and curettage may be recommended, which involves draining the contents of the chalazion. This surgical approach is often considered for larger or stubborn chalazia that do not respond to less invasive treatments. In rare instances, if a chalazion recurs in the same location or appears atypical, a biopsy might be necessary to rule out more serious conditions.