Understanding Chalazion: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Eye Care January 9, 2024

Understanding Chalazion: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Our eyelid consists of oil glands that keep our eyes lubricated and prevent the evaporation of tears. When one of these glands becomes blocked, chalazion forms. Also referred to as a meibomian cyst, chalazion usually starts as a small, swollen bump in the eyelid. Though typically painless and benign, it should be evaluated for malignancy.

Good news because Eyeonce Eye Clinic’s ophthalmologists deeply understand chalazion treatment. They are known to deliver personalized care backed by state-of-the-art equipment and top-notch expertise, yielding your condition’s best possible treatment result.

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Causes and Risk Factors

Understanding the different causes of chalazion is essential to manage it effectively and minimize its occurrence. Some of the causes are as follows:

  • Meibomian Gland Dysfunction – Meibomian glands produce oils that keep our eyes lubricated. Once these glands become blocked by thickened oils, debris, or inflammation, the gland’s secretions accumulate, forming a chalazion.
  • Poor eyelid hygiene – Failure to clean the eyelids properly can lead to the accumulation of debris, oils, and bacteria, increasing the likelihood of meibomian gland blockage, and resulting in chalazion development.
  • Bacterial infections – Bacterial infections trigger inflammation in the eyelids, leading to meibomian gland blockage and chalazion formation.
  • Makeup residue – Makeup residues trap debris and oils, providing a conducive environment for meibomian blockage and chalazion formation.
  • Skin conditions – Certain skin conditions, such as rosacea or seborrheic dermatitis, may cause inflammation and affect the quality of oils produced by the meibomian glands.
  • Poor immune function – Individuals with weakened immune systems are more susceptible to bacterial infections, which can contribute to chalazion development.
  • Frequent eye rubbing – Habitual eye rubbing due to allergies, irritation, or fatigue may introduce external debris to the eyelids and potentially lead to gland blockage.

Good eyelid hygiene and seeking timely medical attention from trusted eye centers like Eyeonce Eye Clinic are essential components for preventing and managing chalazion effectively.

Chalazion Impact

Though it only presents minor concerns, a chalazion can create a series of negative impacts on an individual’s physical comfort and emotional well-being, such as:

  • Physical discomfort
  • Visual disturbance
  • Low self-esteem
  • Cosmetic considerations
  • Eye discomfort during certain activities
  • Sleep disruption
  • Emotional impact
  • Daily routine alterations
  • Social interactions

Understanding how chalazion can influence various aspects of life underscores the importance of seeking timely intervention and practicing preventive measures. Consulting an eye care professional like Dr. Paik Dong Won and Dr. Jung Sae Rom ensures accurate diagnosis, guidance, and a chance at regaining a sense of normalcy.

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Symptoms

Chalazion often comes with a distinct set of symptoms that can provide valuable clues for diagnosis and management, such as:

  • Eyelid bump or lump – A small, painless bump or lump on the upper or lower eyelid can suggest that you might have a chalazion.
  • Eyelid swelling – An individual suffering from chalazion often experiences swelling on the eyelid, resulting from oils and fluids accumulation within the blocked meibomian gland.
  • Redness – The site of the chalazion might exhibit mild redness caused by the inflammation associated with the blocked gland.
  • Blurry vision – Large chalazion may exert pressure on the eye, leading to slight changes in the eye’s shape and potentially causing mild blurriness.
  • Foreign body sensation – This sensation can be attributed to the chalazion’s interaction with the eye’s surface during blinking.
  • Discomfort while reading or watching TV – Certain activities that involve prolonged focus might accentuate awareness of chalazion due to the eye’s sustained movements.
  • Mild itching – Some individuals may experience mild itching around the chalazion site.
  • Gradual development – Unlike sudden onset stye, chalazion tends to develop gradually over a few days. This gradual formation is a characteristic of a chalazion.

 Even though chalazion is generally not a major medical emergency, our eye care professionals at Eyeonce Eye Clinic still ensure an accurate diagnosis, alleviation of discomfort, and personalized treatment recommendations tailored to your needs and conditions.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Here at Eyeonce, our experts are committed to providing comprehensive care that addresses each of our patients’ unique chalazion conditions following these processes:

Diagnosis

  • Clinic assessment – Through visual inspection and careful examination, our experienced ophthalmologists will identify the bump or lump on the eyelid and evaluate its size, location, and overall appearance.
  • Patient history – This is done by gathering relevant information about our patient’s medical history, previous eye concerns, and lifestyle habits to ensure accurate diagnosis, allowing our eye doctors to understand the potential underlying causes and possible treatment options.
  • Differential diagnosis – It is when our ophthalmologists distinguish chalazion from similar eyelid conditions like styes or cysts to ensure precise diagnosis.

Treatment

  • Conservative measures – Depending on the severity, warm compresses, lid massages, and prescription medications might be introduced to treat chalazion.
  • Advanced interventions – Our eye doctors at Eyeonce offer this treatment option, especially when conservative measures are unsuccessful. Advanced interventions involve minor surgical procedures such as making a small incision to release accumulated fluid and relieve the pressure, fostering a quicker resolution.

Aside from these treatments, Eyeonce offers education and preventive measures as personalized and post-treatment care. Our commitment to your well-being extends to accurate diagnosis, state-of-the-art treatments, and comprehensive guidance. Book an appointment with our eye care professionals today to discuss your case.

Why choose Eyeonce Eye Clinic Gangnam for chalazion treatment?

Utmost Patient Care

Our eye care professionals and staff ensure to give you your money’s worth. We guarantee you receive the best medication possible and assure you that you are guided and understood, making you feel comfortable and confident at every step. 

Comprehensive Consultation

Eyeonce Eye Clinic offers comprehensive eye examinations to evaluate your condition and determine the best chalazion treatment. Our ophthalmologists take their time to cater to your questions and address your concerns, ensuring you make an informed decision about our vision correction options.

Expert Eye Doctors

Our ophthalmologists, Head Director Dr. Paik Dong Won and Medical Director Dr. Jung Sae Rom, are highly knowledgeable and adept in treating chalazion. They always use the latest techniques and technologies to ensure optimal results.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

There are different treatment options for chalazion, such as conservative measures and advanced interventions. Consulting an eye doctor is the best way to identify the best intervention for your condition.

Sebaceous gland carcinoma is the most common malignancy in recurrent chalazion. Timely diagnosis and medication are essential to avoid exacerbating the condition.

When one of the meibomian glands becomes blocked by debris, thickened oils, etc., chalazion forms.

Conclusion

By following proper hygiene practices, seeking early treatment, and implementing the recommended treatments, you can alleviate discomfort brought by chalazion and ensure a swift recovery. Eyeonce Eye Clinic’s eye care professionals offer personalized treatment and accurate diagnosis for this condition. Book a consultation with us today to learn more about how we can help achieve your best vision!