The One Stop Chalazion Service

£550

Price includes:

• Initial assessment
• Surgery under local anaesthetic 
• Antibiotic ointment and dressing
• Aftercare and follow up

(additional chalazion at £200 each if done at the same time)

 

• Transparent pricing structure
• Surgery by an Oculoplastic Consultant specialising in eyelids

Treatment of a chalazion

Dealing with a bump on your eyelid may not be the most severe eye issue one can face, but it can certainly be bothersome, causing discomfort and frequently recurring. Many individuals turn to their general practitioner or an eye specialist for guidance when faced with an eyelid cyst, also referred to as a chalazion, stye, or hordeolum. For those seeking treatment for chalazion, consulting a medical professional is recommended.

What is a chalazion?

A chalazion can impact either the upper or lower eyelids and arises due to obstructions in the glands that empty near the edge of the eyelid or at the root of the eyelashes. This results in swelling and enlargement of the blocked passage, which can sometimes lead to infection spreading to nearby skin layers. Symptoms vary from a bothersome small lump on the eyelid to redness, discomfort, and discharge from the obstructed gland. Treatment for chalazion is essential to alleviate these symptoms and prevent complications.

 

How can I get rid of a chalazion easily?

Applying heat

To effectively treat a chalazion, it is essential to apply direct heat to the affected area in order to expand the blocked gland opening. This will help to soften the trapped material within the duct, allowing for easier removal through gentle pressure. For optimal results, heat the area for 1-2 minutes using a thick cotton flannel or muslin cloth. Warm tap water can be used to heat the cloth, ensuring it is comfortably warm rather than too hot. Reheat the cloth as needed to maintain 60-90 seconds of heat and focus on holding it directly over the blocked duct or gland opening. Avoid placing the cloth too far from the affected area around the eye socket. After 1-2 minutes, you should notice improved opening of the duct and softer trapped contents that can be expressed more easily. Another way of applying heat is to use a heat eye mask instead of a cloth.

 

Massaging the chalazion

To treat a chalazion, gently apply pressure with your fingers to the affected area on your eyelid. Massage upwards if it's on the lower lid, or downwards if it's on the upper lid. The goal is to release the infected or stagnant contents onto the surface for easy removal. The discharge may be green, grey, white, or bloodstained, and you'll likely see a reduction in cyst size immediately. If pressing or massaging is painful, consider taking paracetamol to help manage discomfort during treatment.

 

A spreading infection can be the result of a chalazion

If you notice a fever or rapid spreading redness on your eyelid, it is important to consult a doctor for possible oral antibiotic treatment. Sometimes, ophthalmologists link a chalazion with an infection that is spreading in the surrounding skin, a condition called pre-septal cellulitis. This can be more prevalent in individuals with diabetes or other chronic conditions that make them susceptible to infections, or those with weakened immune systems. In such cases, oral antibiotics can help alleviate the skin infection. However, it is still necessary to apply heat and massage to the cyst. 

 

It is crucial for children with eyelid cysts who develop skin infections to be promptly evaluated for oral or intravenous antibiotics. The eyelid consists of multiple layers, with one of them being the septum that separates the outer layers from the inner ones. In adults, the septum is fully developed and acts as a barrier preventing superficial infections from spreading deeper into the tissues surrounding the eye and potentially reaching the brain. However, in children, the eyelid septum has not fully developed yet, allowing superficial infections to quickly spread into the deeper eye socket and potentially towards the brain. While this situation is rare, if a child has a red, hot, and painful chalazion, immediate medical attention should be sought.

 

 If the chalazion appears skin-colored without any fever present in a child's case, it can be treated similarly to an adult's by applying heat and massage. 

 

When should I consider chalazion surgery to treat my eyelid?

The majority of eyelid cysts can be resolved through consistent application of heat and massage, with only a small number requiring a minor surgical procedure.

 

 Patients typically seek an ophthalmic evaluation if the cyst persists for an extended period or hinders their daily activities, such as avoiding eye contact, affecting contact lens use, vision, or participation in sports. While chalazion is not considered a serious eye condition, many hospitals and general practitioners are unable to perform surgery on these cysts or refer patients to NHS services for surgical assessment unless the chalazion has been present for at least six months and significantly impacts vision. 

 

Private care is often chosen by individuals as it offers more flexibility in terms of timing for surgery compared to NHS services. When evaluating patients with chalazia, I ensure they have attempted conservative heat and massage treatments before considering surgery. 

 

For those who require early intervention, scheduling the procedure promptly is a key advantage of private care, especially for patients with upcoming life events like weddings or new job commitments. The minor operation performed for chalazia is known as incision and curettage. 

 

Effective treatment options for a chalazion?

Chalazia can reoccur and be bothersome. Effective treatment involves:

 

•  Promptly initiating a heat and massage routine at least twice daily. Consistent five-minute lid care twice a day is preferred over a 30-minute session once a week. 
• When applying the warm, wet towel, target the eyelid margin where the cyst is located, not the skin of the eyelids. 
• If a child with chalazion exhibits redness around the area and fever, urgent medical attention is necessary to prevent infection spread. 
• While conservative treatment usually suffices, persistent cases may require minor surgery after consulting with an experienced professional for personalized guidance on the best course of action.
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Chalazion surgery: Do I need to have it?

Chalazion vs stye - what is the difference?

Distinguishing between a chalazion and a stye can be challenging, as they share similarities but are distinct conditions. Both are caused by blocked oil glands, but styes result from bacterial infections that lead to gland swelling. Styes typically occur at the edge of the eyelid, while chalazia form further back. While styes can be painful, chalazia are usually not associated with pain.

 

Are chalazia contagious?

Chalazia are non-contagious and not caused by bacterial infections, meaning they cannot be transmitted from one person to another.

What are the symptoms of a chalazion?

When dealing with a chalazion, one might observe a raised area on the eyelid, typically on the upper lid. Initially, there could be discomfort associated with the chalazion, but this usually subsides promptly. As the chalazion progresses, it may exhibit signs of redness, swelling, and sensitivity.  Additional symptoms may encompass:

 

• Slight irritation leading to watery eyes
• Potential blurred vision due to pressure from a larger chalazion on the eyeball
• The entire eyelid may become swollen. 

 

For those seeking chalazion treatment options, these symptoms are important to consider.

What is the best medicine for a chalazion?

Treatment for chalazion typically does not involve medical therapy, except in cases related to rosacea. In such instances, a 6-month regimen of low-dose tetracycline could be beneficial. Administering doxycycline at doses as low as 100 mg weekly for the same duration can lead to permanent changes in sebaceous gland function. This results in the production of shorter-chain fatty acids that are less likely to cause blockages compared to longer-chain fatty acids. 

 

Topical antibiotics are generally ineffective for chalazion since it is non-infectious. In cases where infection is suspected, applying erythromycin ointment after warm compresses may be considered. While systemic tetracycline may offer some benefits, local drops are unlikely to help and may even cause a contact dermatitis reaction. For chronic or recurrent chalazia, long-term oral tetracycline, doxycycline, or metronidazole could be effective. Additionally, topical steroids can aid in reducing inflammation and oedema, potentially easing any drainage that occurs.

 

Is it good if a chalazion comes to a head?

 

At times, a chalazion may reach a point where it spontaneously drains, which is an indication that it is likely to release its contents. In such cases, it is beneficial to promote further drainage through continued application of heat and gentle massage.

 

Do eye drops help chalazions?

In the treatment of a chalazion, antibiotics may be recommended by your physician if an infection is believed to be the root cause of the inflammation. While antibiotics are not typically necessary for most chalazia cases, some individuals may opt to forgo heat application when using eye drops. Regardless of antibiotic use, it is still advisable to apply heat and gentle massage to effectively address the chalazion.

Is it OK if a chalazion is left untreated?

A chalazion typically lasts about a month, but some may take longer to heal. It is not considered unsafe for a chalazion to be left without treatment although the risk of it remaining increases.

 

 Even if it hardens, it may eventually disappear, though this might take more time. Signs of healing include reduced swelling and redness in the eyelid, decreased discomfort, and improved vision clarity. 

 

Neglecting professional treatment for a chalazion that doesn't respond to home remedies can lead to more severe issues. 

 

If your chalazion is causing excessive discomfort, not improving with home care, or worsening, seek medical attention promptly for potential additional treatments. 

 

Will a hardened chalazion go away?

A hardened chalazion is likely to go away with heat and massage treatment you can do at home without attending a clinic. 

 

If these treatments don’t effectively treat the eyelid lump, it is best to seek treatment from a professional if you want it gone. 

 

Can heat make a chalazion worse?

The application of warmth can accelerate the natural drainage of a stye and expedite the healing process of a chalazion. 

 

Initially, warm compresses may cause slight swelling, deterring some from utilizing heat therapy. However, consistent use of heat and gentle massage offers the most effective non-surgical approach to healing a chalazion.

 

What should you NOT do with a chalazion?

Don't attempt to pop or squeeze a chalazion

It is crucial to resist the temptation of squeezing or popping a chalazion, as this can lead to ineffective results and cause harm by damaging local tissues and inducing swelling. The delicate skin of the eyelid is highly susceptible to scarring when pressure is applied, making it unwise to attempt such actions for chalazion treatment.

 

Don't wear eye make up or leave it on overnight

It is advisable to refrain from using eye makeup when dealing with a chalazion, but it is crucial to thoroughly cleanse the makeup before bedtime. Residual makeup can block the meibomian gland openings, hindering healing and potentially leading to additional chalazia. For effective treatment, it is recommended to replace mascara, eyeliner, and eyeshadow every three months to avoid bacterial contamination when you have a chalazion.

 

Don't ignore eyelid swelling or sweats

In case of eyelid swelling linked to a chalazion that is spreading or leading to symptoms like sweating, fever, or chills, it is crucial to promptly consult an ophthalmologist for assessment. This could indicate a possible infection requiring urgent treatment.

 

Don't ignore a chalazion that persists or is continuously  increasing in size

If a chalazion remains large and obstructs vision or fails to resolve naturally within a few weeks to a month, seeking medical intervention or surgery may be necessary. It is crucial to consult with your healthcare provider or eye specialist in such instances. Additionally, since some eyelid cancers can mimic the symptoms of a chalazion, it is important to have any persistent chalazion evaluated by an ophthalmologist for proper diagnosis and treatment.