Chalazion
A cyst caused by a blocked oil gland in the eyelid: treatment from warm compresses to surgical drainage.
The eyelids contain many oil glands whose openings lie at the base of the lashes. When one of these openings becomes blocked, oil builds up behind it. This cyst-like build-up is called a “chalazion”.
Treatment of Chalazion
At first, antibiotic drops are used to prevent infection and warm compresses are applied; with warm compresses the chalazion may dissolve and disappear. If it does not go away with warm compresses, it may need to be drained surgically.
How a Chalazion Is Drained (Excision)
- The eye is numbed with anaesthetic drops, and an anaesthetic injection is given in the area of the chalazion.
- An incision is made into the chalazion from the underside of the eyelid.
- The contents of the chalazion are scraped out with a curette.
- Antibiotic drops are put in the eye and the procedure is complete.
Possible Complications of Chalazion Excision
- The chalazion not being completely drained
- The chalazion coming back
Chalazion Excision at a Glance
- Anaesthesia
- Anaesthetic drops, and an anaesthetic injection in the eyelid at the site of the chalazion
- Duration
- 5 minutes
- Bandage
- The eye is bandaged. The bandage is removed the next day.
- After surgery
- Mild swelling and bruising of the eyelid, lasting 5 days.
- Stitches
- There are no stitches.
- Return to work
- You can go back to work the next day.
- Check-ups
- The day after surgery and after 1 month
Eye drops and ointment: Antibiotic drops and ointment for 1 week
Have your eyes assessed
Send your prescription history, previous eye reports and any corneal imaging for an individual assessment — in person in İstanbul or over video.
With every surgical or interventional procedure, results vary from person to person. Please obtain a detailed opinion from your doctor before any procedure.
This article is for general information only and does not replace a medical examination or personalised medical advice.