Overview
A chalazion is a painless lump in the eyelid caused by a blocked oil gland, which swells into a firm bump over days to weeks. Unlike a stye it is usually not infected and not painful, though a large one can press on the eye and blur vision. Many chalazia settle on their own with warm compresses over a few weeks. Those that persist or grow can be treated by a doctor with a small injection or a minor procedure to drain them.
Symptoms
- A firm, painless lump within the eyelid
- Swelling that develops over days to weeks
- Mild irritation or a heavy feeling in the lid
- Blurred vision if a large lump presses on the eye
- Redness only if it becomes inflamed
When to see a doctor
See an eye doctor if a lid lump does not settle with warm compresses in a few weeks, keeps growing, or affects vision.
Causes
A blocked oil (meibomian) gland in the eyelid; more common with blepharitis, rosacea and oily skin.