Chalazion: Symptoms, Causes, Treatment
البَرَدة (الكلازيون)
A chalazion is an eyelid lump usually caused by a blocked oil gland and localized inflammation. It is generally less painful than a stye and may gradually resolve. Persistent or recurrent lumps need examination.
What is Chalazion?
Eyelid gland secretions stabilize the tear film. Blockage can trap oily material and form a lump. A chalazion does not automatically mean a bacterial infection requiring antibiotics.
Related reading: Stye.
Symptoms
The lump is often rounded and firm, sometimes tender initially before discomfort settles. A large lesion may press on the eye and blur vision. Spreading redness, fever or severe pain needs assessment for another problem.
Causes
Gland dysfunction or blepharitis can contribute, and a chalazion may follow a stye. Rosacea increases susceptibility in some people. Other symptoms matter before labeling every swollen lid a chalazion.
Risk factors
Blepharitis, rosacea, impaired gland drainage and previous chalazia are common risk factors. Some occur without an obvious trigger. Recurrence does not automatically indicate serious disease but warrants reassessment.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis relies on eyelid examination, sometimes including gentle lid eversion. Atypical lumps or repeated growth at the same site require reassessment; selected cases may need a tissue sample to exclude another lesion.
Treatment
Initial care uses comfortably warm compresses and gentle massage toward the lashes as instructed, with lid hygiene. A persistent lump may need an injection or drainage procedure. Antibiotics are not routine treatment for an uninfected chalazion.
Complications
A large lump can blur vision by pressing on the cornea, and visual problems in children need follow-up. Procedures may cause bleeding, infection or skin-color changes; clinicians discuss these risks alongside benefits.
Prevention
Managing blepharitis and cleaning lid margins may reduce recurrence but cannot prevent every case. Do not squeeze or puncture the lump. Avoid contacts or makeup if they irritate the eye during healing.
When to see a doctor
Seek review for persistence, recurrence or visual effects, especially in a child. Severe eye pain, fever with widespread swelling or any new reduction in vision needs urgent assessment.