1880 Sismet Road Mississauga, ON L4W 1W9, Canada

CHALAZION

A chalazion is caused by a blockage in one of the many oil-secreting glands of the eyelids. It can occur in the upper or lower eyelids, on one or multiple eyelids, and in both children and adults. Chalazia can cause drooping of the eyelid (ptosis) and even obstruction in vision. Patients may also be concerned with the cosmetic appearance of the chalazion.

Risk factors for the development of chalazia including acne rosacea and blepharitis. When the natural oil-producing glands of the eyelid become blocked – by either crusts associated with blepharitis or by foreign bodies – a chalazion develops in the eyelid. It can be alarming if this occurs quite suddenly as it is often accompanied by significant redness and swelling in the eyelid. It can also be quite tender to the touch and is often mistaken for an infection.


Fortunately, it is not an infection but rather an inflammatory reaction the body creates in response to the oily secretions. Since chalazia are not typically infective, antibiotics – either oral or topical in the form of drops and ointment – are usually ineffective. The standard treatment for these lesions is to use hot compresses to encourage natural drainage of the contents. This is usually done twice daily with a warm, wet facecloth. In children, warm compresses are more conveniently applied at bathtime. This also helps to treat the underlying blepharitis in affected patients. Medical agents such as corticosteroids are another option available to treat chalazia. It can be applied as either drops to the eye or a cream to the eyelid to help treat the inflammatory component. All of the above treatments are best carried out early in the course of the disease when it is most likely to improve.

If these treatments are not started immediately, then scar tissue begins to form within the chalazion. After a period of several weeks to months, a hard nodule may form at the site, and it is then much more difficult for non-surgical treatments to help eliminate the chalazion. At this point, surgical incision and drainage of the chalazion may be considered. This is a routine office-based procedure that is performed under local anesthesia. The eyelid is usually everted (to avoid a scar) and the incision is made on the undersurface of the eyelid to drain the chalazion. Although the chalazion may be successfully drained, the patient may be at risk to develop other similar lesions as well.

OCC EYECARE CENTRE LOCATIONS

Our specialized team of doctors and state-of-the-art facility
are available at two convenient locations

1880 Sismet Road Mississauga,
ON L4W 1W9, Canada

+1 905-212-9482

2630 Rutherford Rd #105, Vaughan,
ON L4K 0H2, Canada

+1 (905) 212-9482

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