Chalazion

A chalazion is a painless lump or swelling on the eyelid caused by a blocked oil (Meibomian) gland. These glands produce the oils that help keep your tears from evaporating too quickly. When a gland becomes blocked, the oil builds up and forms a small bump within the eyelid.

Although a chalazion is not usually an infection, it can become inflamed and may affect your comfort or vision if it grows larger.

At Inspire Vision Development Centre, we diagnose and manage chalazia for patients in Orangeville, Brampton, Caledon, Shelburne, and surrounding communities, helping relieve symptoms and prevent recurrence.

During your eye examination, your optometrist will carefully examine your eyelid and determine whether the lump is a chalazion or another eyelid condition, such as a stye, cyst, or eyelid lesion.

If the bump is recurrent, unusually shaped, or does not heal as expected, additional evaluation or referral may be recommended.

A chalazion develops when one of the eyelid's oil glands becomes blocked. Several factors can increase your risk, including:

A chalazion typically develops gradually over several days and may cause:

Unlike a stye, a chalazion is usually not painful once it has fully developed.

Many chalazia improve with conservative treatment. Depending on the size and severity, treatment may include:

For larger or persistent chalazia that do not resolve with conservative treatment, your optometrist may refer you to an ophthalmologist for further management, such as a steroid injection or minor surgical drainage.

If you experience recurring chalazia, maintaining healthy eyelids can help reduce the risk of future blockages.

Preventive strategies include: