What is a chalazion?

What is a chalazion?

Getting a chalazion can sometimes be a little uncomfortable and quite alarming when a lump begins to form. However, you’ll be happy to know that a chalazion isn’t usually serious, but it’s important to look out for some of the signs and symptoms and know what to do if you think you have one.

At the Eye & Dental Clinic, we are experts in eye health and care, and in this blog, we tell you all about what a chalazion is, the symptoms, causes and what to do if you have one.

What is a chalazion?

A chalazion is a small, painless lump or swelling that forms within the eyelid. It is typically caused by the blockage of one of the small oil glands located in the eyelid. These glands produce an oily substance that helps lubricate the eye by preventing the evaporation of tears.

Chalazia can be small and not very noticeable, or they can grow larger over time. While they are usually not painful, a larger chalazion can cause blurred or blocked vision if it presses against the eye. Whilst medical care is not always necessary, it’s important to seek an eye care professional if you are concerned about a chalazion.

Why does a chalazion occur?

When a meibomian gland becomes blocked, the oil that is normally released is trapped inside the gland, causing the gland to become swollen and form a chalazion. Chalazia are often confused with styes, but they are different conditions.

Sometimes a chalazion can occur due to poor eye care or hygiene and bad nutrition. However, it’s never certain why a person gets a chalazion, and the cause is often unknown. Some people are more prone to getting them than others, but typically, adults between 30 and 50 are more at risk of a chalazion.

Symptoms of a chalazion

Most of the time, a chalazion is painless, but in some cases, it can cause mild irritation. Here are some examples of symptoms you may experience, but it’s important to note that not everyone will get every symptom.

• A lump or swelling that shows up on either the upper or lower eyelid.
• The lump will slowly develop over time.
• It will appear under the skin of the eyelid rather than on the edge.
• A chalazion usually feels firm to the touch.
• They often aren’t painful but can cause mild discomfort.
• As the lump grows, it can cause blurred vision.

As you can see, the symptoms of a chalazion are similar to those of a stye, but they are different things. However, you don’t really need to be able to differentiate between the two, as at-home treatments are the same for both.

Is a chalazion the same as a stye?

A stye is an infection of an eyelash follicle or a gland in the eyelid, while a chalazion is usually not caused by an infection. A chalazion and a stye are both conditions that affect the eyelids, but they have different causes and characteristics. Here are the key differences between a chalazion and a stye:

Chalazion

The cause of a chalazion is typically caused by the blockage of one of the oil glands in the eyelid. This blockage leads to the accumulation of oil in the gland, causing swelling and a lump. A chalazion is usually painless but can cause mild discomfort.

They are often more noticeable due to a large, swollen lump on the eyelid. A chalazion is generally not caused by a bacterial infection, and it is not considered contagious. A chalazion is commonly located on the upper or lower eyelid and is found underneath.

Stye

The cause of a style is typically due to a bacterial infection in the oil glands and hair follicles of the eyelid. Styes are often developed through poor eye care and eyelid hygiene. Styes are often quite painful and tender when touched, and they are often accompanied by redness and swelling.

Because styes are a result of an infection, they are considered contagious, and they may be more likely to develop in individuals with conditions that make them more susceptible to bacterial infections. Styes are commonly found along the eyelash line or on the inner surface of the eyelid.

Chalazion diagnosis

Usually, it’s not required to visit a professional for a diagnosis of your chalazion, as the treatment for a lump or swelling around the eye is the same, no matter the diagnosis. If you are experiencing the above symptoms, then you likely have a chalazion, and that is enough information you need to start getting better by doing a few things at home.

However, in some cases, you should seek medical help if your chalazion is causing you more than mild discomfort, isn’t getting better and continues to grow. If you would like to confirm you have a chalazion or get it checked out, even without more severe symptoms, you should visit an eye care clinic like the Eye & Dental clinic.

Your eye care professional will:

• Your eye care professional will ask you questions about your general health and eye health history.
• They will carefully examine your eyes externally.
• Do a thorough eyelid examination by shining a bright light into your eye and using a magnifying tool to look closely at your eye.
• They will check your oil glands for blockages.

Treatments for chalazion

You can expect your chalazion to be gone within a month with proper care and treatment, but don’t be alarmed if it takes a little longer for bigger lumps or more severe chalazions.  Also, a hardened chalazion will go away either on its own or with specialised treatment.

Here are a few things you can do at home to help:

• Follow good hygiene practices like washing your hands regularly and not touching your eyes, as this can make the problem worse.
• Avoid wearing makeup, particularly eye makeup and do not use anyone else’s makeup or allow them to use yours.
• Use a warm compress as the heat will loosen and open up your skin to clear it out. You can do this for around 10-15 minutes a few times a day.
• Over-the-counter eye drops are available to buy, or your eye care professional may provide you with some.
• Consult a professional for help if your chalazion gets worse or isn’t healing.

You’ll know your chalazion is healing when the swelling is reduced, and your discomfort is beginning to ease.

Eye & Dental Clinic

At the Eye & Dental Clinic, we are passionate and committed to providing our community in Bury and the surrounding areas with the highest quality of care. We provide eye and dental care to the highest of standards, and we truly care about our patients.

That ethos extends to our building, our team and our comprehensive range of treatments. It’s our mission to improve health and quality of life within our diverse community through best practices and the latest research in collaboration with other clinicians. Whether you need cosmetic dental treatment or emergency attention, we want you to feel comfortable when you visit our practice.

Book an appointment with us

If you think you have a chalazion and would like to get it looked at, contact us and book an appointment at a time suited to you. We’re not only here for check-ups and treatment, but we also do emergency dental appointments with varying appointments and short wait times, so you can be seen as quickly as possible. Learn more about our cancellation policy and other practice policies.

To conclude, a chalazion is a lump or swelling that is formed on either the upper or lower lid, and it comes from behind the skin. It is caused either by infection or a swollen oil gland. Usually, a chalazion isn’t serious and doesn’t need medical attention; however, if you want to be sure of what it is or if you’re experiencing discomfort, it’s always best to get it checked out by an eye care professional.

A stye and a chalazion are two different things with similar symptoms. A stye is considered contagious because it is a bacterial infection, whereas a chalazion is caused by a blockage and isn’t considered contagious.

To protect your eye health in the future from a chalazion, practice good eye care by washing your eyes, not sharing towels or eye makeup and eating healthily.

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