An Eyelid Bump That’s Not a Sty
Achalazionis a swollen, pain-free lump on the eyelid.
It gradually forms when the meibomian gland, a sebaceous (oil) gland, is blocked.
A chalazion is sometimes called an eyelid cyst or a meibomian cyst.
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A chalazion might be painful at first, but the pain will subside quickly.
Chalazia can affect anyone regardless of age, although they are less common in children than adults.
They are benign (harmless) bumps that are not cancerous.
A chalazion can often be treated at home.
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Chalazion: A Cyst, Bump, or Sty?
It can sometimes be difficult to tell the difference between a chalazion and asty.
Both look like bumps or cysts, but they are different.
Similarities
Chalazia and sties can look very similar.
Both can cause tenderness, redness, and swelling, but sties are more painful.
The other location a sty can develop is in an eyelash hair follicle.
If self-care methods don’t work, your healthcare provider can offer medicinal treatments or surgery.
Differences
A chalazion is not typically painful and does not always cause swelling.
On the other hand, a sty is very painful.
Since it is related to aninfection, it can cause swelling in the entire eyelid.
Additional symptoms of a sty include:
Bacterial infectionsare often the cause of sties.
Topical treatments are tried first with all chalazia before attempting invasive techniques.
What Makes a Chalazion Go Away?
A chalazion can sometimes resolve without treatment.
Self-care and at-home therapies can help soften the oil blockage.
When the blockage is reduced, the chalazion will shrink until it is completely gone.
Repeat three to five times a day.
Massage can also help reset the gland.Massage the affected eye area with a clean finger.
They can prescribe antibiotic eye drops or aneye ointmentto manage pain or other symptoms.
In many cases, a chalazion will disappear as it heals, but this takes time.
Left untreated, a chalazion could become infected, leading to discomfort or affecting vision.
If your chalazion does not heal within a few weeks, consult a healthcare provider.
Do Not Pop a Chalazion
You should let a chalazion heal naturally.
Do not attempt to pop or squeeze it.
Chalazia typically do not need antibiotic treatment.
But if the chalazion becomes infected, you may need an antibiotic ointment or an oral antibiotic.
What Makes Chalazion Appear?
Your meibomian glands are located within the eyelids, near the eyelashes.
Follicular conjunctivitis is the inflammation of theconjunctiva(the fine, transparent layer of the eye).
The provider will then drain the contents of the chalazion.
Chalazion surgery requires no stitches.The eyelid may feel sore, and there may be some bruising.
To prevent infection, you will need to keep the eye covered for at least one week.
Your healthcare provider will also prescribe antibiotic creams and eye drops.
Chronic blepharitis, seborrheic dermatitis, and acne rosacea can also lead to chronic chalazia.
While there is no way to prevent chalazia, you might reduce your risk by keeping your eyelids clean.
optometrist, or an ophthalmologist.
They can also recommend treatments, including draining and removing the chalazion surgically.
Summary
A chalazion is a small, firm bump on the eyelid.
It generally does not cause pain.
It is resulting from a blockage of the tiny oil glands that keep the eyes moist.
An untreated sty can become a chalazion.
At-treatments include warm compresses and good hygiene.
Do not make a run at pop the chalazion; it needs to heal on its own.
Chalazia can recur, especially in people at an increased risk for them.
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American Academy of Opthalmology.What Is an ophthalmologist vs optometrist?
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