Most people have heard of a stye, a painful, red lump or bump that forms on the rim of the eyelid. But not so many know about a different type of eyelid bump called a chalazion, which can also cause uncomfortable symptoms.
Chalazions tend to be more common among adults, but they can happen in kids, too. And without prompt treatment, they can cause more serious complications, including blocking your child’s vision.
The experts at ABC Children's Eye Specialists use special techniques to determine the underlying cause of eyelid bumps so we can administer the most appropriate treatment. Here, our team offers an overview of chalazia, as well as how they’re treated — and whether they just might go away on their own.
While a stye forms a swollen pocket of pus and bacteria inside a hair follicle, a chalazion lump comes from a cyst that forms when a tiny oil gland is blocked. A clog at the opening of the gland prevents oil from being released, resulting in a swollen lump that may or may not be painful.
The glands themselves, known as meibomian glands, play an important role in eye health. They produce oil that’s incorporated into your tears, lubricating the eye surface and preventing tears from evaporating too quickly.
Chalazia tend to be more common in people who have very oily skin or blepharitis, a condition that causes the lids and lid margins to become inflamed. They may also form after an eyelid infection like a stye or as a symptom of a skin condition called rosacea.
Like styes, chalazia can resolve on their own over time, but it’s important to monitor them to determine if they’re getting worse. Applying warm compresses to the eyelid for 10-15 minutes several times a day may help dissolve the oil and clear the clogged gland.
You can also try gently massaging the eyelid with the compress. The compress and the gentle massage improve blood flow to help relieve inflammation, as well. Avoid pressing too hard on the chalazion, and never squeeze it, because that might trigger an infection.
It’s also important for your child to keep the eyelid clean. Using a diluted solution of water and mild baby shampoo is a good way to gently cleanse the lid without irritating it. Your child should avoid using eye makeup and wearing contact lenses until the chalazion heals.
Although a chalazion may clear up on its own over time, leaving it alone isn’t necessarily your best option. Even when a home remedy works, it can take a lot of time, and infection is always a possibility. Chalazia may also grow larger or become quite painful without prompt care.
You should definitely seek medical treatment if the lump:
You should also seek treatment if your child has chalazia on a regular basis.
Even though a chalazion may not initially be infected, an infection can develop over time. Seeking immediate medical care is the best way to prevent complications and enjoy greater peace of mind.
If your child has a chalazion, stye, or other unusual growth or symptoms, call our offices to book an appointment with the team at ABC Children’s Eye Specialists in Phoenix, Avondale, Mesa, Sun City, or Gilbert, Arizona, today.
