A chalazion is a small bump in the eyelid caused by a blockage of a tiny oil gland.

Causes

A chalazion is caused by a blocked duct in one of the Meibomian glands.  These glands are located in the eyelid directly behind the eyelashes and produce a thin, oily fluid that lubricates the eye.

Symptoms

A chalazion often develops after an internal hordeolum (another word for hordeolum is stye).  The eyelid usually becomes tender, red, swollen and warm.  Sometimes, the blocked gland causing the stye will not drain even though the redness and swelling goes away.  The gland will form a firm, non-tender nodule in the eyelid which is called a chalazion.

Exams and Tests

An exam of the eyelid confirms the diagnosis.

Rarely, skin cancer of the eyelid may look like a chalazion.  If this is suspected, you my need a biopsy.

Treatment

For persistent chalazia:

Scrub a small red potato.  Heat in the microwave as directed.  Cut the potato in half and wrap the potato half in a moist face cloth.  Hold on the affected are for 3 minutes.  Using a circular motion, massage in a upward direction for the lower lid, and massage in a circular downward direction for the upper lid.  Vision may be blurry.



A steroid injection is another treatment option.