Chalazion
Ophthalmic Partners treats chalazion for patients in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and the surrounding communities.
WHAT IS A CHALAZION?
Chalazion, also called meibomian gland lipogranuloma, is a small bump in the eyelid caused by an oil gland blockage.
WHAT CAUSES A CHALAZION?
The meibomian glands are tiny oil glands that produce lubricant for the eye. Your eye contains about 30 or 40 of these glands within the upper and lower eyelids. When the oil in the gland becomes too thick to flow out of the duct that drains the gland, it becomes blocked, creating a lump called a chalazion. The oil in the gland may build up and cause the gland wall to break. Symptoms include swelling or tenderness in the eyelid, pain, warmth, light sensitivity, and increased tear production. A chalazion is more common on the upper lid. An eye doctor can diagnose the condition by examining the eyelid.
A chalazion is not the same as a sty. A sty is an infection of the gland while the chalazion is an inflammation.
WHAT ARE THE RISK FACTORS FOR A CHALAZION?
The most common risk factors for a chalazion is rubbing your eyes or using makeup and other products that irritate your eyes. Certain skin conditions, such as eczema and seborrheic dermatitis, also put you at risk for developing a chalazion.
HOW CAN A CHALAZION BE PREVENTED?
Good eye care for residents in Pennsylvania and New Jersey can prevent a return of the condition, and cleaning the area with baby shampoo may reduce duct clogging. Multiple or recurrent chalazia may be an indication of another condition such as acne rosacea.
HOW IS A CHALAZION DIAGNOSED?
The diagnosis for a chalazion begins with a thorough eye exam. Your eye doctor also asks you questions about your symptoms, including the severity and how long you have been experiencing symptoms.
HOW IS A CHALAZION TREATED?
Most chalazion disappear on their own in a month or so. The application of warm compresses several times daily can soften the solid oil blockage and promote draining, and light massage in the area can help relieve symptoms and lessen inflammation. Steroid medication is sometimes used to decrease inflammation. Never attempt to break or scratch a chalazion.
If a chalazion increases in size, causes swelling and eye pain, or starts to interfere with vision, the cyst may need to be removed surgically. Surgery is usually performed from underneath the eyelid so as to minimize scarring. Antibiotic drops are used post-surgery.
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Early detection of eye disease is the best defense against vision loss, particularly for individuals over the age of 40. Should you experience any vision problems that could be an indicator of an eye disorder, contact one of our offices in Philadelphia, PA, Bala Cynwyd, PA, Media, PA, or Marlton, NJ, as soon as possible to book an assessment.
The eye doctors and surgeons at Ophthalmic Partners have the necessary expertise and experience to diagnose, manage, and treat complex eye disorders and diseases. Visit us today to keep your eyes healthy and your vision clear.
Pennsylvania:
(484) 434-2700
New Jersey:
(856) 596-1601