A common eye disorder, a chalazion is a granulomatous inflammation of a meibomian gland in the upper or lower eyelid. The disorder ic characterized by localized swelling and usually develops slowly over several weeks.
A chalazion may become large enough to press on the eyeball, producing astigmatism; a large chalazion seldom subsides spontaneously. it's generally benign and chronic and can occur at any age; in some people, it tends to recur.
CAUSES
Obstruction of the meibomian (sebaceous) gland duct cases a chalazion.
SIGNS & SYMPTOMS
A chalazion occurs as a painless, hard lump that usually points toward the conjunctival side of the eyelid. Eversion of the lid reveals a red or red-yellow elevated area on the conjunctival surface.
TREATMENT
Initial treatment consists of application of warm compresses to open the lumen of the gland and, occasionally instillation of sulfonamide eye drops. if such therapy fails, or if chalazion presses on the eyeball or causes a severe cosmetic problem, steroid injection or incision and curettage under local anesthetic may be necessary.