Chalazion

Overview

A chalazion is a small, painless bump that can appear on the upper or lower eyelid when an oil gland becomes blocked. It’s not an infection but rather a buildup of oil that can’t escape the gland. Chalazia (the plural of chalazion) are common in both children and adults, and they usually go away on their own. Sometimes, they might need medical treatment.

Symptoms

A chalazion may cause:

  • A small, painless lump on the eyelid
  • Redness and swelling of the eyelid
  • Increased tearing
  • Blurred vision if the bump is big enough to press on the eye

Causes

A chalazion happens when one of the tiny oil glands in the eyelid gets blocked. The blockage can be due to:

  • Skin conditions like acne rosacea or seborrheic dermatitis
  • Blepharitis, which is inflammation of the eyelids
  • Rubbing or touching the eyes with dirty hands
  • Poor eyelid hygiene

Diagnosis

To diagnose a chalazion, your doctor will check your child’s eyelid and ask about their symptoms. Usually, no special tests are needed. However, if the chalazion keeps coming back or is very large, more tests might be needed.

Treatment Options

Most chalazia will go away on their own within a few weeks to a month. If they are large, causing discomfort, or affecting vision, treatment may be needed. At Gertrude’s Children’s Hospital, we offer several treatments:

  • Warm Compresses: Applying a warm cloth to the eyelid for 10-15 minutes, 3-4 times a day can help soften the oil and help it drain.
  • Eyelid Massage: Gently massaging the eyelid can encourage the oil to drain.
  • Medications: Sometimes, we use topical antibiotics or steroid injections to reduce inflammation.
  • Incision and Drainage: For large chalazia that don’t respond to other treatments, a minor procedure can be done to drain the bump.

Patient Success Stories

At Gertrude’s Children’s Hospital, we are committed to providing the best possible care for children with Chalazion. Here’s why families trust us:

“My daughter had a large chalazion that was affecting her vision. The team at Gertrude's Children's Hospital was fantastic. They explained everything clearly and made my daughter feel comfortable. The chalazion was drained quickly and safely, and she fully recovered.”

Sarahmother of a child with a chalazion

Chalazion

While you can’t prevent all chalazia, good eyelid hygiene can help reduce the risk. This includes washing your hands before touching your eyes, avoiding eye makeup if you’re prone to chalazia, and treating any eyelid issues.

You should seek medical help if the chalazion is large, causing discomfort, affecting vision, or doesn’t go away on its own after a few weeks.

A chalazion is a painless bump caused by a blocked oil gland, while a stye is a painful, red bump caused by an infected oil gland or hair follicle.

Contact Us

If your child has a chalazion that isn’t going away or is causing concern, please contact us to schedule an appointment with one of our pediatric eye care specialists.

Contact us today to learn more about our Chalazion treatment options.

Book Appointment