Are you suffering from tenderness and inflammation in your eyelid? You may be having a condition called Chalazion. Learn all about Chalazion, its causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment.
Chalazion Definition
Page Contents
Picture 1 – Chalazion
Source – thirdage
In medical terms, Chalazion is defined as a tiny lump in the eyelid that results from an obstruction of a small oil gland.
What is Chalazion ?
Chalazion is a bump on the eyelid that leads to obstruction in seeing things clearly. It affects the eyelid glands known as Meibomian Glands.
Chalazion is known by many other names like Conjunctival Granuloma, Tarsal Cyst and Meibomian Cyst.
The exact frequency of the disease in the US is not known. However, Chalazion is quite common in the United States and affects a sizeable part of the American population every year.
Chalazion Symptoms
Some of the main symptoms of Chalazion are :
Inflammation
Swelling is the main symptom of Chalazion. A person affected with Chalazion has a swollen eyelid that obstructs normal view. The eyesight is hindered as a result. There is usually a lump near the edge of the lower or upper eyelid. Chalazion under eyelid can result in Blepharitis, a condition that results in redness and inflammation in the eye. In Chalazion Blepharitis is the main symptom.
Tenderness
Along with inflammation, there is tenderness in the eyelid. The eyelid becomes very sensitive to touch.
Increased Light Sensitivity
A person with Chalazion problems experiences increased sensitivity to light. Well lit surroundings cause problems for the person to see things clearly.
Weightiness
Chalazion on eyelid makes it heavy due to swelling. There is a weighty feeling in the eye which makes it difficult for the person to keep eyes open at a stretch for long hours.
Vision Problems
In people with Chalazion blurred vision is common. Unless treated in time, this condition can lead to a loss of vision over time.
Causes of Chalazion
A Chalazion results from an obstruction of the duct that releases the Meibomian Glands in the eye. Meibomian Glands are involved in the production of the oil known as sebum.
Sebum in the eye lubricates the eye and prevents the fluid present in the eye surface from escaping. Sometimes, these glands produce oil that is too thick to flow out. In such cases, there is a blockage of the gland. The oil begins to accumulate and gives rise to lumps that make the eyelid appear swollen.
Chalazion often results from a bacterial infection of the eyes.
Chalazion Diagnosis
The condition is diagnosed by physical examination of the eyelid and using the medical history of the patient. Medical examination of the eye is usually enough to detect this disease.
In some cases, a biopsy is needed. This is necessary if the doctor suspects skin cancer. In rare circumstances, a skin cancer may result in the blockage of the Meibomian gland duct.
Chalazion Treatment
Chalazion treatment is generally not necessary. Doctors usually recommend home remedies for Chalazion patients to ensure a faster recovery from the condition. In many cases, a Chalazion bursts and releases the oil contained inside it. If that does not happen, a doctor may use a small surgery for Chalazion cure.
Chalazion Surgery and Removal
Picture 2 – Chalazion Clamp used for Surgery
Source – wikidict
The objective of Chalazion surgery is to drain the Chalazion cyst. Following Chalazion operation, the vision problems and swelling reduce. Chalazion surgery cost depends on the clinic that you choose. But Chalazion drainage operation is usually somewhere in the price range $30-50.
Chalazion Medication
For an effective treatment of Chalazion antibiotics are often used to prevent eye infection in later stages. Antibiotic Chalazion eye drops are generally used before and after Chalazion. Steroid injections are also used in some cases as Chalazion medicine.
Chalazion Treatment At Home
For a quicker recovery from Chalazion natural treatments are highly recommended. Chalazion remedies include
Massage
If you are having Chalazion, gently massage the area around the eyelid for a minute or two. This will help reduce the swelling and provide relief from pain. It serves as a Chalazion natural remedy.
Warm Compresses
Warm a piece of cloth and gently press it against the eye and eyelid. Heat treatment is always effective in reducing inflammation. Warm compresses work well as a Chalazion remedy.
Apply warm presses to the eyelid for 10-12 times about 3-4 times a day. This may help soften the stiffness of the lump and promote premature release of oil and healing. This can help in Chalazion treatment without surgery. If done regularly for a few weeks, you may have Chalazion removal without surgery.
Chalazion Prevention
Chalazion often affects people who do not clean makeup properly and care little for their eyes. Maintaining proper hygiene of the eye can help prevent Chalazion. It is important to remove all makeup from eyes before you go to sleep. You should also clean the eyelashes with baby shampoo to reduce clogging of the eye ducts.
When Does Chalazion Go Away?
As aforesaid, Chalazion usually goes away on its own. But in complicated cases, it needs medical care. With effective medical attention, it heals in a few months though one may have Chalazion for a year. Chalazion duration may even extend more than a year. But in some cases, Chalazion just refuses to go away. There can even be cases of recurrence. Chalazion after surgery can go away only to come back a few months later. It is necessary to consult a good ophthalmologist and a dermatologist in such cases.
In rare cases, Chalazion not going away is a sign of skin cancer. If skin cancer is at work, it is necessary to remove that causative condition first to get relief from Chalazion.
Chalazion And Stye
Chalazion is often mistaken with Stye, which produces similar symptoms. Chalazion and Stye are, however, different conditions affecting the eye. Chalazion is caused by an obstruction of the Meibomian Gland duct. Stye, on the other hand, results from a bacterial infection of the Meibomian Gland. Stye does not produce tenderness but rather, causes pain.
Rubbing eyes with unwashed hands can pass germs from the fingers to the eye. There can be a bacterial infection as a result. The tissues around the eyes are very delicate and rubbing them with unclean hands can make them swollen and infected.
Chalazion Pictures
Want to know how Chalazion patients look like? Check out these Chalazion photos. These Chalazion images will help you get an idea about the appearance of Chalazion.
Picture 3 – Chalazion Picture
Source – canovision
Picture 4 – Chalazion Photo
Source – v2020la
If you have a Chalazion lump in eyelid, you should start home remedies at once. If you find Chalazion getting bigger and showing other complications, get in touch with a doctor as early as possible. Early treatment will help you make a faster recovery from the disease and enjoy a good health.
References:
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/001006.htm
http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-a-chalazion.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chalazion
http://www.webmd.com/eye-health/tc/styes-and-chalazia-topic-overview
http://www.healthline.com/channel/chalazion_prevention
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