Chalazion is a painless, slow-growing lump of the size of the pea and is an infection of an oil gland in the eyelid. It is often confused with a stye or hordeolum. It usually occurs due to a blocked meibomian gland, typically in the middle of an eyelid. Chalazion are not very common amongst children and majorly happens in adults between the age of 30 and 50.
Major times, Chalazion can even be treated at home. But it is very important to see an Ophthalmologist when this lump is observed. It is extremely important not to push on a chalazion or to try to pop it. The best things to try for home treatment are
- Warm Compresses, with a Clean Washcloth after wetting it in Warm Water.
- Massage, gently of the eyelid few times a day using light to medium pressure, and
- Good Hygiene, by not wearing any eye makeup till chalazion goes away.
Usually, when Chalazion is treated properly with utmost care, it tends to go away within a week, but if it is left untreated, it takes about 4 to 6 weeks to heal.
In Case, none of this works, it needs to get treated by an eye specialist. There might be a requirement to have the fluid drained through a small incision and there might even be a need of an injection of steroids to reduce the swelling and the inflammation.