The lump or the swelling on the eyelid is referred as Chalazion. This occurs when the small oil-producing glands at the upper and lower eyelids obstructs the flow of secretion and produces inflammation. The lump could be fluid-fill or firm. It is different from a pimple or sty which occurs due to some infection.
Cause of Chalazion
Upper and lower eyelids have the Meibomian glands, also known as palpebral glands, tarsal glands or tarsoconjunctival glands. These glands could be present in between 30-40 numbers in each eyelid of both eyes. Thick liquid secreted by these glands flows out into the tear film of the eye. This liquid is called as sebum which is the mixture of oil and mucus. The sebum exits from the narrow opening of Meibomian gland present behind the eyelashes of the upper and lower eyelids.
A Chalazion is formed when sebum becomes too thick and is unable to flow out of the gland. Hence, it starts accumulating inside the gland and forms a lump in the eyelids. Finally it leads to inflammation and swelling both inside the gland and on the eyelid.
Symptoms of Chalazion
In case any swelling is experienced on either of the eyelid then it is the case of Chalazion. The eyelid would appear red and it may or may not have the pain. This lump can grow up to 1/8 of a
This lump would swell the entire eyelid. If it is small it would not cause any pain and disappears on its own. Usually this is small but sometimes it might increase in size in couple of days; color would become red and shall become very painful. The expanded chalazion possibly shall lead to the blurred vision.
Handling Chalazion at Home
The easiest technique to handle Chalazion at home is through warm compresses. To put in the practice the warm compresses take a clean soft cotton cloth and soak it in the hot water. Squeeze out the extra water from the cloth and put it on the closed eyes. Carry out this process for 5 minutes on each eye and repeat it twice or thrice in a day. This exercise would prove very beneficial and most of the Chalazion would be cured in this way in the span of few days. Ensure to clean the hands thoroughly before taking the warm compresses. This should be tried only for one week. In case no positive results are seen then may be medical help is required.
Antibiotic Ointments, First Step to Medication
There are few antibiotic ointments that can be applied on the Chalazion. The ointments must be used as suggested by the general physician or ophthalmologist. It can be used along with the warm compresses.
Surgical Help to Cure Chalazion
In case the lump on the eyelid has reached beyond the level of warm compresses and ointments then it has to be treated through surgery. On a more serious intensity ophthalmologist may perhaps put forward a biopsy. Conversely, extreme case of this lump formation occurs once in ten cases.
Chalazion may not be result of some infection but it should not be scratched in any case else it might worsen. This lump on eyelid could be avoided by taking few precautions like not sharing the towels, not rubbing eye frequently and wearing sun glasses whenever going out. It is always said “Prevention is Better than Cure†so why not try for Chalazion as well!
