What is a Chalazion? Symptoms, Causes, Treatment, and Prevention

Creator: Doctronic
Published: 2024-01-12

Medically reviewed by Jerome Albert Ecker | MD, Assistant Professor of Medicine, Duke University - Durham, NC on January 12th, 2024.

Key Takeaways

Blocked meibomian oil glands cause these painless eyelid bumps, which differ from bacterial styes by becoming non-tender within days of initial swelling and redness.
Initial tenderness typically resolves within 2-3 days, but bumps can grow to pea size and cause blurred vision when large enough to press against the eyeball.
Apply warm compresses for 10-15 minutes, 3-4 times daily, followed by gentle eyelid massage to help drain the blocked gland—most resolve within 2-8 weeks naturally.
People with blepharitis, rosacea, seborrheic dermatitis, or diabetes have significantly higher recurrence rates due to chronic inflammation affecting oil gland function.
Seek medical evaluation if the bump persists beyond 4-6 weeks, causes vision changes, or becomes increasingly painful, as steroid injections or minor surgical drainage may be needed.

A chalazion is a small, painless bump that develops on the eyelid when an oil gland becomes clogged. These bumps, also known as meibomian cysts, are a common eye concern. Chalazia differ from a more common cause of eyelid bumps, a sty, which is generally more tender and caused by bacteria. In this article, we'll discuss the symptoms, causes, treatment options, and prevention tips for chalazia.

Chalazion Symptoms

A chalazion typically starts as a small, red, and slightly swollen area on the eyelid. It may be tender to the touch initially, but the pain usually subsides within a few days. The bump can grow to the size of a pea and may cause minor irritation or blurred vision. Chalazia are more likely to develop on the upper eyelid, but they can occur on both eyelids simultaneously.

Causes of Chalazia

Chalazia form when the meibomian glands, which produce oil to lubricate the eyes, become blocked. This can happen due to:

Thickening of the oil secretions
Inflammation of the eyelids (blepharitis)
Certain skin conditions, such as rosacea or seborrheic dermatitis

Some factors may increase the risk of developing chalazia, including a history of eyelid inflammation, skin conditions like acne rosacea, diabetes, or previous chalazia.

Treating Chalazia

Most chalazia resolve on their own within a few weeks. However, there are several treatment options that can help speed up the healing process:

Home Remedies

Apply warm, moist compresses to the affected eyelid for 10-15 minutes, 3-4 times a day
Gently massage the area to encourage drainage
Clean your eyelids with a mild soap, such as baby shampoo, or use over-the-counter eyelid scrubs

Medical Treatment

If home remedies don't work, your doctor may recommend:

Prescription eye drops or creams
Steroid injections to reduce inflammation
Surgical removal for persistent or large chalazia

During chalazion surgery, the doctor numbs the eyelid, makes a small incision, and drains the fluid. The procedure takes about 15-20 minutes and is usually performed in-office. Recovery is quick, with minimal discomfort and no stitches required.

Preventing Chalazia

While there's no guaranteed way to prevent chalazia, you can minimize your risk by following these tips:

Wash your hands frequently, especially before touching your eyes or handling contact lenses
Remove eye makeup before going to bed
Replace eye makeup every 2-3 months and avoid sharing cosmetics
Clean contact lenses properly with a disinfecting solution and replace them as recommended
Maintain good eyelid hygiene by gently scrubbing your eyelids as part of your daily routine

When to See a Doctor

Consult an eye doctor if your chalazion persists for more than a month, interferes with your vision, or keeps recurring. Your doctor can determine the best course of treatment and rule out any underlying eye conditions.

Remember, although chalazia may be unsightly, they are generally harmless and can be managed effectively with proper care and treatment. By understanding the causes and prevention methods, you can help keep your eyes healthy and reduce the likelihood of developing these common eyelid bumps.

For more information on chalazia and other eye health topics, visit:

The Bottom Line

Most of these blocked oil gland bumps heal naturally with consistent warm compresses and gentle massage over 2-8 weeks. Professional treatment becomes necessary when bumps persist beyond a month or interfere with vision. If you're experiencing eyelid bumps or have questions about symptoms and treatment options, Doctronic can provide personalized guidance.