A chalazion is a common, painless, slow-growing lump on the eyelid. It forms when a small oil-producing meibomian gland in the eyelid blocks, causing oil and fluid to build up. While generally harmless, a chalazion can sometimes become red or swollen, prompting a search for management strategies.
Immediate At-Home Relief Methods
Applying warm compresses is a primary home treatment for a chalazion, as heat softens the hardened oil in the blocked gland, encouraging drainage. Apply a clean, warm compress to the affected eyelid for 10 to 15 minutes, three to four times daily. Ensure the compress is comfortably warm, not hot, to avoid burning the delicate skin.
Following the warm compress, gently massaging the eyelid further promotes drainage. Using a clean finger or cotton pad, apply firm but comfortable pressure, massaging the area in circular motions or towards the lashes. This helps push the liquefied oily fluids from the gland.
Maintaining good eyelid hygiene also supports healing and prevents future chalazia. Regularly clean your lash lines with diluted tear-free baby shampoo or a commercial eyelid cleanser. This removes debris and excess oil that could block glands. Consistency is important, as chalazia often resolve within a few weeks to a month with self-care.
When to See a Doctor
While many chalazia resolve with at-home care, certain situations warrant medical attention. Consult an eye care specialist if the bump persists for over a week or two, or grows despite consistent home treatment. A larger chalazion might press on the eyeball, potentially causing blurred vision or discomfort.
Seek medical advice if the chalazion becomes painful, swollen, or shows signs of infection like spreading redness, increased tenderness, or pus. Frequent recurrence of chalazia can indicate an underlying condition, such as blepharitis, which may require specific management. An eye doctor can rule out other conditions and provide guidance.
Professional Treatment Options
If home remedies are not effective, a doctor might recommend professional interventions to resolve a chalazion. One common approach is a steroid injection, injected directly into the chalazion. This procedure aims to reduce inflammation within the blocked gland, often leading to the gradual resolution of the lump. This option is often preferred for smaller, more inflammatory chalazia or when a patient wishes to avoid surgery.
For larger or persistent chalazia that do not respond to injections or other conservative measures, surgical removal, known as incision and drainage, may be performed. This minor procedure is typically done in a doctor’s office under local anesthesia. During the procedure, a small incision is made to drain the contents of the lump, promoting healing and complete removal. While steroid injections have a high resolution rate, surgical removal can achieve even higher success rates and may be less prone to recurrence for larger lesions.