Chalazion

What is a Chalazion?

A chalazion, also known as a meibomian cyst is a lump in the eyelid caused by a blocked meibomian gland. It is a common condition affecting the eyelid. They are usually painless, round pea sized lumps that can become infected. They often vary in size and may disappear then reappear several times before settling down.

A chalazion is not contagious, and eye sight is not affected.

Should I “pop” the cyst?

NO.

You should never attempt to “pop” or cut the chalazion with any sharp objects. This is extremely dangerous and can result in serious damage to the eye.

Can the cyst become infected?

Rarely the cyst can become infected and this infection can spread to involve the whole eyelid and tissues surrounding the eye.

If any of the following signs of infection occur, please seek medical advice immediately:

• Swelling of the skin around the chalazion
• Redness or discolouration of the area
• Warmth and tenderness of the affected area
• Fever
• Acutely sticky, red eye with severe amounts of discharge
• Unable to open affected eye.