A chalazion is a bump on the eyelid that appears due to a blockage in the meibomian gland. These lumps usually appear reddish, small in size, do not feel painful, and can last for weeks or months.
Chalazion is different from hordeolum or spots which are the result of blockage of glands in the eyelashes. Meibomian glands are larger and located deeper. This gland functions to produce oil (sebum) to keep the eye moist.
Causes of Chalazion
Chalazion occurs when the meibomian gland is blocked. As a result, oil accumulates and forms fluid-filled bumps on the eyelids.
In many cases, the blockage is the result of inflammation in the meibomian gland. However, sometimes, blockage can also occur because the meibomian gland is infected.
Chalazion can be experienced by anyone, but there are several factors that can increase a person's risk of getting chalazion, among others:
- Suffering from skin diseases, such as rosacea or seborrheic dermatitis
- Suffering from prolonged blepharitis
- Suffering from tuberculosis
- Suffering from diabetes
- Have suffered from chalazion before
Symptoms of Chalazion
Chalazion generally appears on the upper eyelid, but can also appear on the lower eyelid. This condition can also occur in one or both eyes.
Some of the symptoms and signs that can be experienced by chalazion sufferers are:
- Solid lump in the eyelid that does not feel painful
- Blurred vision when the lump is large enough and presses on the eyeball
- Mild eye irritation
- Watery eyes
Although rare, chalazion lumps can become infected. When that happens, the lump will grow, look reddish, and feel sore or painful when touched.
When should you go to the doctor?
Immediately check with a doctor if a lump appears on the eyelid, especially if it has been going on for a long time and does not disappear after self-treatment. Through examination, the doctor can provide accurate diagnosis and treatment.
Diagnosis of Chalazion
The doctor will ask about the patient's symptoms, eye disease history, and the patient's overall health history. After that, the doctor will see a lump on the patient's eyelid.
Chalazion does not require a special examination, because doctors can recognize this disease through a physical examination of the eyelids, eyelashes, and the texture of the eye skin.
Chalazion treatment
In most cases, chalazion does not require specific medical treatment. This is because chalazion can heal on its own in a few days or weeks. However, to speed up healing, there are a number of treatment methods that can be done, namely:
Self-therapy
Some handling steps that can be done at home, among others:
- Compress the affected eyelid with warm water to reduce swelling. Do it for 10-15 minutes and repeat 3-4 times a day.
- Gently massage the lump area after compressing it with warm water, to remove the fluid from inside the lump. Make sure your hands are clean before doing the massage.
- Clean the eyelids affected by chalazion at least twice a day, to remove oil and dead skin cells that are on the skin of the bump area. Use a mild soap, such as baby soap .
It is important to remember, do not touch the chalazion lump with unwashed hands and do not squeeze the lump. Also, avoid using contact lenses until the chalazion is completely healed.
Medical therapy
If the lump does not disappear with the above treatment, especially after more than 2-8 weeks, check with a doctor. Some of the treatment methods that can be done by the doctor are:
- Give ointment or antibiotic eye drops , to overcome the infected chalazion
- Give a corticosteroid injection to the eyelid affected by chalazion, to reduce swelling
- Perform chalazion surgery , which is by making a small incision in the lump to remove the fluid inside
Complications of Chalazion
Chalazion usually does not cause complications. However, in rare cases, the lump can become infected and spread to the entire eyelid and the tissue around the eye. As a result, sufferers will suffer from orbital cellulitis .
Orbital cellulitis causes the eyelids to redden and swell so that the sufferer cannot open their eyes. Sufferers will also feel intense pain in the eyes accompanied by fever. See a doctor immediately if you experience these symptoms.
Prevention of Chalazion
There are several things that can be done to prevent chalazion, namely:
- Wash your hands before touching your eyes.
- Check yourself with a doctor routinely if you suffer from conditions that increase the risk of contracting chalazion.
- Make sure things or everything that comes into direct contact with the eyes, such as contact lenses and glasses, are clean and sterile.
- Pay attention to the cleanliness of the eye makeup equipment used and always change eye makeup products every 2-3 months.
- Avoid sharing makeup equipment with others.