A chalazion is a cyst that forms on the eyelid. Though not a serious health issue, any new bump near your eyes benefits from an evaluation with the expert team at Eye Q Optique in Buffalo Grove and the Tri-Taylor and Near West Side neighborhoods of Chicago, Illinois. The optometrists can determine if your lump is a chalazion and provide treatment recommendations to prevent further complications. Call the office nearest you or schedule an appointment online today.

What is a chalazion?

A chalazion is a lump or bump that forms in the upper or lower eyelid. A chalazion isn’t the same as a stye, which is an infection. However, a chalazion can turn into a stye. 

You develop a chalazion when there’s a blockage in an oil gland (meibomian) in the eyelid. Your oil glands help keep your eyes moist. A blocked gland fills with oil and swells.

You can also develop a chalazion from an underlying eye or skin condition such as blepharitis, rosacea, or seborrheic dermatitis.

What are the symptoms of a chalazion?

Initially, a chalazion starts out as a small, painful red lump under the eyelid. Within a few days, the pain goes away, but the lump continues to grow in size.

Other symptoms you might have with a chalazion include:

• Frequent tearing
• Blurry vision
• Thickened eye discharge
• Eye irritation

Adults are more likely to develop this type of eyelid lump than children. Though a chalazion goes away over time, it’s likely to recur.

What happens during a chalazion evaluation?

The Eye Q Optique team conducts a thorough eye exam when you come in with concerns about bumps on your eyelids. Your optometrist reviews your medical history and eye health history. 

They examine your eyes and eyelids and take a look at the lids, the base of the eyelashes, and the opening of your oil glands. 

They can then diagnose a chalazion. 

What are the treatments for a chalazion?

A chalazion goes away over time with at-home care. The team at Eye Q Optique provides specific instructions on how to take care of your eyes and eyelids to help the lump go away and prevent it from turning into an infection.

Treatment for a chalazion includes:

• Warm compresses to the eye
• Gentle massaging of the eyelid
• Proper eye hygiene
• Avoiding the use of eye makeup until the chalazion disappears
• Not touching the eyes or eyelids to prevent an infection

If your chalazion fails to go away with at-home care, the optometrists at Eye Q Optique may recommend draining the fluid from the lump or injecting steroids into it to reduce inflammation. 

Don’t squeeze a chalazion or try to “pop” it. That type of “home surgery” makes things worse and increases your risk of developing an infection.

To get help for a chalazion, call Eye Q Optique or schedule an appointment online today.