Many people confuse chalazia with styes, but these are two different eye problems. The main reason for this confusion is they both appear on the eyelids. Your glaucoma doctor can easily distinguish a chalazion from a stye. A chalazion appears as a large bump on the underside of the eyelid or behind the eyelashes. A stye, on the other hand, forms on the inner rim and tends to be smaller than a chalazion.

Understanding Chalazia

EyeSite of The Villages explains what causes chalazia and how they are treated.

Causes

A chalazion is a benign nodule that results from healed internal styes that are no longer infectious. The cyst-like bump develops around an oil gland called meibomian, which is responsible for the production of the oily substance of the tear film. This can cause eyelid swelling, which can last for a week or even a month.

Signs and Symptoms

People with a chalazion may experience tearing and mild irritation. This eye problem is painless, but it can blur your vision if it’s large enough to press against the cornea. For proper diagnosis, visit your cataract doctor and learn how to treat this eye condition.

Risk Factors

Chalazia are more common in adults than children, often affecting people aged 30 to 50 years old. People with rosacea are also prone to developing blepharitis (eye inflammation) and chalazia. This skin condition can affect the eyelids, the conjunctiva (eye’s thin outer membrane), cornea (surface of the eye) and sclera (white of the eye).

Chalazion Treatment

With periodic warm compresses and gentle massage of the affected eyelids, your chalazion can drain by itself and disappear after a few weeks or months. Use a clean cloth and dip it in warm water. Apply the warm compress to the eyelid for at least 10 to 15 minutes. Get in touch with your cataract doctor if your chalazion does not heal after a month.

Turn to EyeSite of The Villages for your eye health care needs. Apart from chalazion treatment, we can also help detect other eye problems such as glaucoma, blepharitis and dry eyes. Call us today at (352) 504-4560 or fill out our online form to set an appointment. We serve residents of Oxford and Lady Lake, FL.