Chalazion: Difference between revisions

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[[File:Hordeolum.JPG|thumb|Hordeolum.JPG]] == Chalazion ==
{{SI}}
 
{{Infobox medical condition
| name            = Chalazion
| image          = [[File:Hordeolum.JPG|left|thumb|A chalazion on the upper eyelid]]
| caption        = A chalazion on the upper eyelid
| synonyms        = Meibomian cyst, tarsal cyst
| pronunciation  =
| specialty      = [[Ophthalmology]]
| symptoms        = Painless swelling on the eyelid, redness, tenderness
| complications  =
| onset          = Gradual
| duration        = Weeks to months
| causes          = Blockage of [[meibomian gland]]
| risks          = [[Blepharitis]], [[rosacea]], [[seborrheic dermatitis]]
| diagnosis      = Clinical examination
| differential    = [[Hordeolum]], [[sebaceous carcinoma]], [[basal cell carcinoma]]
| prevention      = Good eyelid hygiene
| treatment      = Warm compresses, [[steroid injection]], surgical removal
| medication      =
| prognosis      = Good with treatment
| frequency      = Common
}}
[[File:Hordeolum.JPG|left|thumb|Hordeolum.JPG]] == Chalazion ==
A '''chalazion''' is a cyst in the eyelid that is caused by inflammation of a blocked [[meibomian gland]], usually on the upper eyelid. Unlike a [[stye]], chalazia are usually painless and tend to be larger. They can, however, cause significant discomfort and visual disturbance if they grow large enough to press against the [[eyeball]].
A '''chalazion''' is a cyst in the eyelid that is caused by inflammation of a blocked [[meibomian gland]], usually on the upper eyelid. Unlike a [[stye]], chalazia are usually painless and tend to be larger. They can, however, cause significant discomfort and visual disturbance if they grow large enough to press against the [[eyeball]].
=== Signs and Symptoms ===
=== Signs and Symptoms ===
A chalazion typically presents as a localized, painless swelling on the eyelid. Over time, it may become red and tender if it becomes infected. Other symptoms can include:
A chalazion typically presents as a localized, painless swelling on the eyelid. Over time, it may become red and tender if it becomes infected. Other symptoms can include:
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* Sensitivity to light
* Sensitivity to light
* Increased tearing
* Increased tearing
=== Causes ===
=== Causes ===
Chalazia are caused by the blockage of the [[meibomian gland]]s, which are responsible for secreting oil that lubricates the surface of the [[eye]]. Factors that can contribute to the development of a chalazion include:
Chalazia are caused by the blockage of the [[meibomian gland]]s, which are responsible for secreting oil that lubricates the surface of the [[eye]]. Factors that can contribute to the development of a chalazion include:
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* Tuberculosis
* Tuberculosis
* Viral infections
* Viral infections
=== Diagnosis ===
=== Diagnosis ===
Diagnosis of a chalazion is typically made through a physical examination by a healthcare provider, often an [[ophthalmologist]] or [[optometrist]]. The examination will focus on the eyelid and the characteristics of the lump.
Diagnosis of a chalazion is typically made through a physical examination by a healthcare provider, often an [[ophthalmologist]] or [[optometrist]]. The examination will focus on the eyelid and the characteristics of the lump.
=== Treatment ===
=== Treatment ===
Most chalazia resolve on their own without the need for medical intervention. However, treatments can include:
Most chalazia resolve on their own without the need for medical intervention. However, treatments can include:
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* Prescription [[antibiotic]] or [[steroid]] eye drops or ointments
* Prescription [[antibiotic]] or [[steroid]] eye drops or ointments
* Surgical drainage if the chalazion does not resolve with conservative treatment
* Surgical drainage if the chalazion does not resolve with conservative treatment
=== Prevention ===
=== Prevention ===
Preventive measures for chalazia include maintaining good eyelid hygiene, such as:
Preventive measures for chalazia include maintaining good eyelid hygiene, such as:
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* Avoiding touching the eyes with dirty hands
* Avoiding touching the eyes with dirty hands
* Managing underlying conditions like [[blepharitis]] or [[rosacea]]
* Managing underlying conditions like [[blepharitis]] or [[rosacea]]
=== Complications ===
=== Complications ===
While most chalazia are harmless, potential complications can include:
While most chalazia are harmless, potential complications can include:
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* Cosmetic concerns due to the appearance of the lump
* Cosmetic concerns due to the appearance of the lump
* Visual disturbances if the chalazion is large enough to press against the [[cornea]]
* Visual disturbances if the chalazion is large enough to press against the [[cornea]]
=== See Also ===
=== See Also ===
* [[Stye]]
* [[Stye]]
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* [[Rosacea]]
* [[Rosacea]]
* [[Ophthalmology]]
* [[Ophthalmology]]
[[Category:Eye diseases]]
[[Category:Eye diseases]]
[[Category:Ophthalmology]]
[[Category:Ophthalmology]]
[[Category:Inflammations]]
[[Category:Inflammations]]
{{medicine-stub}}
{{medicine-stub}}

Latest revision as of 21:08, 4 April 2025

Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
Founder, WikiMD Wellnesspedia &
W8MD medical weight loss NYC and sleep center NYC

Chalazion
A chalazion on the upper eyelid
Synonyms Meibomian cyst, tarsal cyst
Pronounce N/A
Specialty Ophthalmology
Symptoms Painless swelling on the eyelid, redness, tenderness
Complications
Onset Gradual
Duration Weeks to months
Types N/A
Causes Blockage of meibomian gland
Risks Blepharitis, rosacea, seborrheic dermatitis
Diagnosis Clinical examination
Differential diagnosis Hordeolum, sebaceous carcinoma, basal cell carcinoma
Prevention Good eyelid hygiene
Treatment Warm compresses, steroid injection, surgical removal
Medication
Prognosis Good with treatment
Frequency Common
Deaths N/A


Hordeolum.JPG

== Chalazion ==

A chalazion is a cyst in the eyelid that is caused by inflammation of a blocked meibomian gland, usually on the upper eyelid. Unlike a stye, chalazia are usually painless and tend to be larger. They can, however, cause significant discomfort and visual disturbance if they grow large enough to press against the eyeball.

Signs and Symptoms[edit]

A chalazion typically presents as a localized, painless swelling on the eyelid. Over time, it may become red and tender if it becomes infected. Other symptoms can include:

  • A hard lump on the eyelid
  • Blurred vision if the chalazion is large enough to press against the cornea
  • Sensitivity to light
  • Increased tearing

Causes[edit]

Chalazia are caused by the blockage of the meibomian glands, which are responsible for secreting oil that lubricates the surface of the eye. Factors that can contribute to the development of a chalazion include:

Diagnosis[edit]

Diagnosis of a chalazion is typically made through a physical examination by a healthcare provider, often an ophthalmologist or optometrist. The examination will focus on the eyelid and the characteristics of the lump.

Treatment[edit]

Most chalazia resolve on their own without the need for medical intervention. However, treatments can include:

  • Warm compresses applied to the affected eyelid to help unblock the gland
  • Gentle massage of the eyelid
  • Over-the-counter pain relief if there is discomfort
  • Prescription antibiotic or steroid eye drops or ointments
  • Surgical drainage if the chalazion does not resolve with conservative treatment

Prevention[edit]

Preventive measures for chalazia include maintaining good eyelid hygiene, such as:

  • Regularly cleaning the eyelids with a mild soap or baby shampoo
  • Avoiding touching the eyes with dirty hands
  • Managing underlying conditions like blepharitis or rosacea

Complications[edit]

While most chalazia are harmless, potential complications can include:

  • Recurrence of the chalazion
  • Infection leading to a stye
  • Cosmetic concerns due to the appearance of the lump
  • Visual disturbances if the chalazion is large enough to press against the cornea

See Also[edit]

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