Chalazion
What is a chalazion?
A chalazion is a painless lump that gradually forms in the thickness of the upper or lower eyelid. It develops when one of the small glands in the eyelid - which maintain the health of the eye - becomes blocked. The contents cannot drain, accumulate, and a small, firm nodule slowly forms.
Unlike a hordeolum (stye) - which is painful, red, and appears suddenly - a chalazion grows quietly over weeks, sometimes months, and the skin above it remains smooth and unchanged.
How is it recognised?
A painless nodule of round shape, firm consistency, clearly defined
Grows slowly, usually to the size of a peppercorn
The skin above the nodule is mobile and without redness
On the inner side of the eyelid (tarsal conjunctiva), a reddish-bluish discolouration is visible
In advanced cases, a chalazion may break through the conjunctiva and form a granuloma on the inner side of the eyelid
In people with seborrhoeic dermatitis, rosacea, or blepharitis, chalazia occur more frequently and can recur. If a nodule returns in the same place after removal, it must be sent for histopathological examination.
How is it treated?
Conservative approach is tried in the early stage - warm compresses several times a day and gentle eyelid massage can help the contents to drain spontaneously, though this rarely happens. For smaller chalazia, corticosteroid injection directly into the lesion is sometimes used - with relatively good results.
When conservative treatment does not help, the treatment is surgical - a short, painless procedure performed under local anaesthesia. Through a small incision on the inner side of the eyelid, the lesion is drained and cleaned. The skin of the eyelid remains untouched - without a visible scar. The patient goes home the same day.
What if it is left untreated?
A chalazion does not threaten vision, but may:
Continue to grow and press on the cornea - causing astigmatism and temporary blurring of vision
Break through the conjunctiva and form a granuloma that irritates the surface of the eye
Remain an aesthetic problem that does not disappear for years without intervention
Frequently asked questions
Is a chalazion contagious?
No - a chalazion is not contagious. It develops as a result of a blocked gland in the eyelid, not an infection that can be transmitted to another person.
How long does recovery take after surgery?
After the procedure, the eyelid may be mildly swollen and tender for a day or two. Full recovery usually occurs within several days to a week.
A small lump on the eyelid does not have to stay.
A chalazion can be treated very successfully - schedule an examination and resolve the problem permanently.