A chalazion is a harmless cyst caused by a blocked meibomian gland in the eyelid. Meibomian glands in the eyelid produce an oil which helps keep the eye moist. If the gland becomes blocked, the oil builds up into a cyst which looks like a small lump in the eyelid. The lump can become irritated and red and, occasionally, infected.
A chalazion commonly occurs due to inflammation around the opening of the oil glands at the base of your eyelashes. This is called blepharitis.
Chalazions tend to only last a few weeks and are typically not painful.
Many chalazions can be treated effectively at home but if the infection spreads or if there is a large cyst that persists, the surgery may be possible to speed up the healing process.
Symptoms include:
Chalazions can occur in various sizes, with a small proportion potentially remaining as a painless lump on the eyelid for up to a few months. A chalazion may also spontaneously discharge when the lid is cleaned or when hot compresses are applied to the area.
The inflammation is caused by a sensitivity to a common bacteria found on your skin. When the openings of the small oil glands around your lashes become blocked by inflammation, a small tender swelling will occur in the lid. This is known as a chalazion.
Other risk factors include rosacea - a common skin condition which can affect the eyelids and eye area. Although it is rare, chalazions can also be a result of an eye condition known as viral conjunctivitis.
It can be difficult to differentiate between a stye and chalazion, as they are both lumps which develop around the eye and are similar in appearance. However, there are differences between styes and chalazions.
The main distinction is that styes tend to be painful and sore, whereas chalazions are typically painless. A stye can occur inside the eyelid or at the eyelash base and indicates an infection in the hair follicle or oil gland. In contrast, a chalazion is a sign of a blocked oil gland, although it can develop into a stye in some circumstances.
Find out more about how chalazion is treated
How chalazion is treated in children
Lines are open Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm excluding bank holidays for general enquiries or to book an appointment.
Send us your enquiry and we will get back to you as soon as possible, usually within one working day