What is Chalazion (Eyelid Cyst)? Chalazion Symptoms and Treatment
The usually painless lumps seen on the lower or upper eyelids as a result of inflammation of the glands in the eyelids are called chalazions. Chalazions, which can be caused by different reasons, heal in a short time in some people, while in others they may remain on the eyelid for months. Chalazions that do not heal after a certain period of time despite treatment practices may need to be removed with surgical procedures, also called chalazion surgery.
What is Chalazion (Eyelid Cyst)?
Eyelid cysts develop when the fluids that provide moisture and lubrication in the eye accumulate and form a cyst, as a result of the blockage of the secretory channels in the eye. The contents of the cyst usually consist of fatty secretions and pus. These cysts, called chalazion on the eyelid, often occur as a result of styes that form inside the eye and remain on the eyelid after they cease to be infectious.
However, due to its similar appearance, chalazion is often confused with a stye. These cysts, which form around the sebaceous glands, can cause various disorders depending on their size. Chalazions often heal spontaneously after a while, with the help of applications such as warm compresses and light massages applied to the eyelid.
However, eyelid cysts, especially those that remain for more than a few weeks, grow and cause both a cosmetically undesirable appearance and discomfort during eye movements. In such cases, chalazions may need to be removed surgically.
Chalazion (Eyelid Cyst) Symptoms
Chalazion can be seen in one or both eyes, usually in the form of lumps a few millimeters in size. This swelling is the most basic symptom of chalazion. However, some additional symptoms may be observed, especially as the cyst grows. These symptoms, which can be considered signs of chalazion, include:
- blurred vision
- Sagging eyelid
- Symptoms such as eye irritation, watering, and redness
- Stinging sensation when blinking
- Feeling of discomfort in the eyeball
The most important distinction that can be used to understand whether a cyst-shaped mass on the eyelid is a stye or a chalazion is pain. Infected styes cause uncomfortable pain. Chalazion cysts are generally painless and can only cause stinging in actions such as blinking due to the physical pressure they cause if they are very large in size.
Regardless of whether it is painful or painless, an ophthalmologist should be examined for lumps or lumps that can be felt on the eyelid. If chalazions do not heal, they may grow and put pressure on the eyeball, causing various eye diseases and vision problems. In order to be protected from these, eye cysts that do not heal on their own for a certain period of time must be surgically removed.
Causes of Chalazion (Eyelid Cyst)
Chalazion is a health problem that can occur for many different reasons. People with any skin or eye health problems are much more likely to develop chalazion, as canal blockages may occur. Chalazion cysts may occur especially after diseases such as eye infections and styes. However, diseases such as rosacea or seborrheic dermatitis can cause constantly recurring chalazions.
The most common cause of chalazion is blockages in the meibomian glands, which are responsible for producing the secretions that normally form the oily and moist structure of the eye. In chalazions formed in this way, the cyst content consists mostly of oils, while the majority of post-stye cysts consist of pus residues that are no longer infectious. In addition to such reasons that accumulate in the eyelid and form cysts, some other factors that can be listed among the causes of chalazion are as follows:
- Bacterial and viral infections
- Conjunctivitis
- blepharitis
- Diabetes and some other chronic diseases
- Ocular rosacea disease
- Infections affecting eyelash roots
- Genetic predisposition
- Exposure to chemicals that can harm the eyes
- Exposure to high levels of radiation that can damage the eyes
- Being affected by ultraviolet rays, especially when the sun hits the earth at a vertical angle
Chalazion (Eyelid Cyst) Treatment
People who feel swelling (painful or painless) or a mass in their eyelids should definitely consult an ophthalmologist without delay. By examining the eye under intense light and performing a physical examination, the physician can easily determine that this mass in the eye is a stye or chalazion caused by infection. In addition, information is obtained about the ailments the patient is experiencing and whether he has had any eye infections recently.
Knowing how long the existing mass has existed is very important in terms of treatment approach. However, the size of the chalazion may be large enough to require immediate intervention. For chalazions that are small in size, do not cause stinging or discomfort, and have appeared recently, treatment and follow-up with applications such as routine eye cleaning, topical eye ointments, eye drops, and warm compresses is generally recommended.
If the blockages causing the chalazion do not open spontaneously and the chalazion does not show any improvement for more than a few weeks, doctors may recommend surgical chalazion surgery. The size of the chalazion is very effective in making this decision. For styes that are small in size and do not harm the eye, treatments such as hot compresses, ointments and drops can be extended for a while. However, the treatment for chalazions that grow very large or persist for months is surgery.
This operation, known as chalazion surgery, is a short and simple procedure performed by the physician in the office setting. When undergoing surgery, local anesthesia is applied to the eye. The lump is then drained through a minimal incision under the eyelid. Making the incision from the inside prevents any scars from being left in the eye. Another treatment method is to inject corticosteroids into the chalazion cyst.
Most of the lumps that form on the eyelids are benign masses. However, the cyst content removed after the operation is sent to the laboratory for pathological examination. Thus, an attempt is made to find an answer to the question of how to cure an eyelid cyst. As a result of eyelid cyst surgery, all necessary tests are performed to prevent the cyst from recurring.
What Should Be Considered After Chalazion Surgery?
Chalazion treatment, which is a simple operation, is usually prescribed by the doctor with antiseptic eye drops due to the risk of infection after chalazion surgery. Regular use of these recommended drops and ointments is important to prevent a possible eye infection and for the operation area to heal smoothly.
In some cases, chalazions may tend to recur frequently after the operation due to reasons such as rosacea or chronic eye diseases. These people may need to pay utmost attention to eye hygiene and, in some cases, may need to use some medications recommended by their physician to protect themselves from chalazions. Otherwise, there may be problems in the eyelid cyst treatment phase.
It is very important to pay attention to eye hygiene in order to prevent chalazion cysts or reduce the risk of recurrence. Some products that are not suitable for health, especially those used in eye make-up, can make the eye susceptible to infections. For this reason, cosmetic products should be chosen among those that are suitable for health. Another group that is prone to eye infections and therefore eyelid cysts are people who wear contact lenses.
In terms of hygiene, people who use contact lenses should be more careful and be sensitive to the duration of use of lenses and the correct use of solutions. In addition, eyes should never be touched with dirty hands, eyes should not be rubbed harshly, and eye make-up should be removed every day.
It is important to get examined and treated as early as possible for chalazions or all other eye diseases to prevent permanent eye damage. Therefore, if you feel a chalazion-like swelling in your eye, get information from your doctor as soon as possible about treatment requirements.
