Eyelid bumps are quite common, you may have experienced one already or know some one who has had one. The most common eyelid bump is a chalazion but there are other bumps as well likes styes, cysts and xanthelasma.
What are chalazions?
Chalazions are caused by blocked oil glands in the eyelids that cause a bump on your eyelid.
These oil glands provide natural oils to the tear film of the eye to lubricate our eyes. When the oil gland becomes blocked it still produces oil but because it cannot flow out of the gland it causes the gland to become swollen usually to the size of a pea but this can vary.
The eyelid bumps can arise from either the upper lid or lower lid but are more common on the upper lids since there are more oil glands located there.
There may be slight pain and tenderness at the site of the bump or none at all. These bumps are usually on the eyelid surface away from the eyelid margin or edge.
Chalazions can usually be treated with warm massage to the affected eyelid.
However, they can become infected in which case they will become painful, red and swollen. If so, then antibiotics may be required to treat it and you should visit your ophthalmologist if there is pain and progressive swelling.
How to do warm massages of the eyelid.
A clean soft cloth is dipped into warm water and placed over the closed eyelids allowing the heat to warm the eyelid. After the heat, gently massage the bump with a clean finger. Do this for 5 to 10 minutes twice a day. This can be done for 1 to 2 weeks. If there is no improvement or the bump is still there after a month you will need to visit an ophthalmologist experienced in treating chalazions.
Treatment of a chalazion:
· Chalazion surgery. Drainage of the chalazion by removal of the contents of the cyst (this is a painless in office procedure and the patient goes home immediately).
· Injecting the chalazion with steroids.
· If infected, treatment with antibiotics to treat the infection.
Risk factors for chalazions include:
· Blepharitis
· Acne rosacea
· Seborrheic dermatitis
Precautions
No contact lenses or eye makeup should be worn while you have a chalazion. If your chalazion got infected, consider changing any eye makeup as it may be a source of infection.
Are styes or stys the same as chalazions?
No, chalazions are different to styes.
Styes are infections of the eyelash follicle. This can cause a tender, red or white bumps on the eyelid margin at the root of the involved eyelash. Mild warm massages may work for these as well. If more severe pain and swelling develops then you should visit your ophthalmologist as you may need antibiotics.
No contact lenses or eye make up should be worn with styes as well. Consideration for changing eye make up is wise as it may have been the source of the infection.
At the Oculoplastic and Cataract Centre we specialize in treating many eyelid conditions. If you have this or any other eyelid problem, give us a call at 319 3937. We can discuss your condition and provide an option for treatment.
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