What is a chalazion?

A chalazion develops due to non-infectious inflammation around one or more meibomian glands within the tarsal plate of the eyelid. A bacterial infection can occur secondarily. It is important not to confuse a chalazion with a stye. A chalazion is usually located within the thickness of the eyelid, while a stye forms at the edge of the eyelid near the base of the eyelashes.

Signs of a chalazion:
• Appearance of a "bump" within the eyelid;
• Redness and swelling of the eyelid;
• Possible mild inflammation of the conjunctiva (the mucous membrane inside the eyelid and on the white of the eyeball);
• Pain and a sensation of sand in the eye;
• Light sensitivity;
• Tearing in the case of an internal chalazion;
• Reduced vision with large or multiple chalazions.

In its chronic stage, the condition can persist for years. The addition of pathogenic microflora can lead to the development of purulent inflammation — an abscess. The skin over the chalazion becomes red, painful, swollen, and the overall condition worsens. To prevent this, timely treatment is necessary.

Causes of chalazion formation

The meibomian glands, located in the tarsal plate of the eyelid, produce lipids (fat) that form the outer layer of the eye's protective film. The lipid layer is necessary to maintain tears on the eye's surface. Sometimes, the ducts of these sebaceous glands become blocked because the secretion is too thick and cannot flow out of the gland. In this case, the gland begins to enlarge, and the excessive pressure within this tissue leads to non-infectious inflammation. However, a bacterial infection (often staphylococcus, which lives on everyone's skin) can quickly join. Bacteria multiply within the gland, and a chalazion appears on the eyelid.

What to do if a chalazion appears?

If a chalazion does not resolve on its own within 3-4 days, it is necessary to see an ophthalmologist. The doctor will check the condition of the eyelids and eyes and prescribe treatment with an antibiotic ointment and an anti-inflammatory medication to reduce inflammation:

Warm compresses: Applying a warm compress to the affected area of the eyelid helps soften the blocked sebaceous gland and promotes its natural drainage. It is recommended to apply a warm compress for 10–15 minutes several times a day.

Eyelid massage: Gentle massage of the chalazion area after applying a warm compress can help in the resolution of the lump.

Medication therapy:

Antibacterial ointments: The use of antibiotic ointments, such as tetracycline or erythromycin, can help prevent secondary bacterial infection.

Antibiotic eye drops: Drops containing antibiotics, such as tobramycin (Tobrex) or ofloxacin (Floxal), may be prescribed to combat infection.

Steroid injections: In some cases, an ophthalmologist may suggest injecting a steroid medication directly into the chalazion area to reduce inflammation and speed up resolution.

If the prescribed treatment does not fully help, the doctor may suggest a minor surgery — a small incision is made in the inflamed gland (under local anesthesia with a microsurgical instrument using a microscope) and the eyelid is cleaned. After the inflammation subsides (anti-inflammatory ointment is used for some time after the procedure), no traces of the intervention remain.

Treatment methods with medications from Italy:

For the treatment of small chalazions without surgery, additional methods and medications may be used in Italy:

Corticosteroid eye drops:
Medication: Lotemax — drops with a corticosteroid (loteprednol) that help reduce inflammation and may aid in the resolution of the chalazion.
Application: Used several times a day in the affected eye for several weeks, with careful monitoring for possible side effects, such as increased intraocular pressure.

Medications with natural components:
Medication: Blephagel — an eye gel with components that help moisturize and cleanse the eyelids, can be used for chalazion to prevent inflammation and improve condition.
Application: Applied to the eyelids to improve the hygienic condition of the eyes, can be used in combination with warm compresses.

Anti-inflammatory medications:
Medication: Voltaren — eye drops with diclofenac, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, help reduce inflammation and relieve symptoms in chalazion.
Application: Instilled several times a day to reduce inflammation.

Homeopathic remedies:
Preparations based on plants, such as Euphrasia, are used to reduce inflammation and maintain normal functioning of the eye's mucous membrane.
Application: Eye drops or gels based on Euphrasia extract may be recommended for regular use to speed up recovery.

Eye ointments:
Medication: Fucithalmic — an ointment with fusidic acid, which has antibacterial action, used when bacterial infection of the chalazion is suspected.
Application: Applied directly to the affected area 1-2 times a day during the treatment course.

Vitamins and supplements:
Medications: Supplements with omega-3 fatty acids (e.g., Omegazon) can improve the condition of the skin and mucous membranes, which is important for preventing chalazion formation.

Chalazion treatment methods can be both conservative and surgical.

Conservative treatment is indicated in the early stages, before the formation reaches 5 mm. The patient is prescribed ointments or drops to reduce inflammation. Strict personal hygiene must also be observed, and it is advisable to temporarily refrain from contact lenses. Sometimes, hormone injections (steroids) are used directly into the chalazion to speed up the disappearance of the formation.

Surgical treatment of a chalazion is usually considered if conservative methods have not yielded results or when the formation has reached a large size. Surgical intervention is performed on an outpatient basis, without hospitalization. The doctor makes a small incision and removes the contents of the chalazion along with its pseudocapsule. The operation can be performed using a scalpel, laser, or radio waves. Depending on the location of the chalazion, the incision can be inside the eyelid or outside.