Chalazion Removal

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Example of a person with chalazion

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chalazion is a painless lump on the eyelid caused by a blocked oil gland. In many cases, a chalazion can be treated conservatively using warm compresses, but persistent cases require surgical removal.

Key Information

PRICE

Call for more info

TIME OF PROCEDURE

30 mins

DOWNTIME

4-5 days

DISCOMFORT LEVEL

2 out of 5

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What Is Chalazion?

A chalazion (meibomian cyst), or chalazia if there is more than one, is a common cyst that forms due to a blocked gland. The meibomian glands in your eyelids are essential for producing the oil that keeps your eyes lubricated. When one becomes blocked, it can form a cyst that can be unsightly and uncomfortable. These are often related to underlying blepharitis so it is important to manage this condition to prevent further chalazia developing.

These cysts usually appear on the upper eyelid but occasionally also form on the lower lid. They are more common in adults aged 30-50, although developing a chalazion at any age is possible.

There is a certain form of eyelid cancer called sebaceous gland carcinoma which can have a similar appearance to a chalazion so if the lid lump is not improving, especially in older patients, it’s important to have a detailed ophthalmological examination to check for this.

When you choose The Ezra Clinic for chalazion removal, you are choosing a specialist clinic known for delivering exceptionally high standards of care.

Our team offers the most advanced treatment options for chalazia, and we are with you every step of the way, from pre-procedure pre to comprehensive aftercare. Contact The Ezra Clinic for more information.

What Are Chalazion Symptoms?

Chalazion symptoms include a visible lump on the eyelid, which may cause discomfort around the eye. You may also notice your vision blurring if the cyst grows large enough to cause pressure on your eyeball.

The lump is usually firm, red, and painless to the touch. It causes discomfort when it affects eyelid motion or presses against the eye.

Occasionally you can develop preseptal cellulitis which is a skin infection of the eyelids if the chalazion becomes infected and this spreads. This will require treatment with oral antibiotics.

What Are the Common Causes of Chalazion?

Chalazion causes include rosacea, seborrheic dermatitis, and blepharitis, all of which can affect the meibomian glands and lead to a blockage—these gland blockages or clogs cause a cyst to develop, which requires treatment to avoid complications.

The Ezra Clinic offers comprehensive, personalised treatment options, no matter the cause of your eye lumps, eyelid lumps, or cysts. Contact our expert team to find out more.

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What Are the Risk Factors for Eyelid Lumps?

If you have one of the conditions listed above, such as rosacea, you will likely experience blocked meibomian glands and subsequent chalazia. Developing this type of cyst is also possible if your skin is overly oily.

Previous occurrences of chalazion cysts also increase the risk of further occurrences in the future. Chronic health conditions such as diabetes can also lead to an increased risk of chalazia.

What Are the Complications That Come With a Chalazion?

The primary problem with a chalazion is that it is unsightly and affects one’s appearance. Other than this, these types of cysts rarely cause vision problems. However, without proper treatment and care, the cyst may become infected, which can lead to a condition called preseptal cellulitis.

There are a few things you should not do with a chalazion in order not to make it worse.

Example of Chalazion

What Are the Treatments of Chalazion?

Many people think they know how to eliminate a chalazion, but following the right methods is essential. Chalazion cysts can be treated at home using a warm compress or gentle massage. However, these treatments can take weeks or months. Avoiding eye makeup while you have a chalazion is essential as it can worsen the problem or slow the healing process. In some cases, a specialist may recommend steroid injections.

In some cases, chalazion surgery is required to remove the cyst fully. You can discuss the chalazion surgery cost, times, and procedure details with an expert ophthalmologist.

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Chalazion Home Remedy

A common home remedy for chalazion is a warm compress. In rare cases, a chalazion will immediately drain when put under a compress, although it may later recur if the cause is not addressed.

Follow these steps:

  • Wash your hands and rinse them thoroughly.
  • Run a face cloth under hot water — not so hot it scalds.
  • Wring the cloth out to remove excess water, close your eyes, and gently place the cloth over the affected eye.
  • Clean the eye with diluted baby shampoo and a clean cotton pad, ensuring you use gentle, circular motions around the eyelashes

Always ensure you use clean cloths and pads, and if both eyes are affected, use a different one. This prevents bacteria from spreading from one eye to the other. Sometimes, the chalazion will not discharge under a warm compress and needs to be surgically removed.

Chalazion Removal

Chalazion removal is a simple surgical procedure. Using a local anaesthetic, a specialist numbs the eyelid before making a tiny incision on the inside of the eyelid. The incision allows the contents of the cyst to drain away. While this procedure is effective in 70% of chalazion patients, in some cases, the liquid has turned into granulation tissue. A steroid injection may be recommended to break this granulation down in these instances.

 

One Stop Chalazion Service — Chalazion Surgery

Chalazion can be a frustrating problem, causing cosmetic issues and irritation, especially when it does not respond to home treatments. If you are looking for chalazion treatment, consider The Ezra Clinic. Thanks to our one-stop chalazion removal service, you can have your consultation and chalazion removal completed on the same day.

An expert ophthalmologist will review your chalazion and suggest next steps. If surgery is required, the whole process is done under local anaesthetic and takes around 30 minutes. Your specialist will let you know if you require subsequent steroid injections.

If you’re concerned about a lump in your eyelid, or other eye problems, speak to a member of our team. As Chalazion Removal London experts, we are happy to answer any questions and provide precise details on the procedure so you can make an informed decision.

What Is the Recovery From a Chalazion Surgery?

You will be prescribed an antibiotic ointment, which you will need to use four times a day for five days. You will also be given a pad to cover your eye until you get home.

Your eye will likely be slightly bruised and swollen after the procedure. This is normal and will subside after a few days. If necessary, the team will arrange a follow-up with you.

Chalazion examples

Chalazion Example
Example of Chalazia
Chalazion example
Example of Chalazion

Images left to right: cyst inside eyelid, chalazion upper eyelid, chalazion lower lid / lump on lower eyelid, cyst on eyelid

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FAQ

What are the risks and side effects of chalazion surgery?

The main risks of chalazion surgery are infection, a scar on the inside of the eyelid and the chalazion not being fully treated. It’s important to treat underlying blepharitis to prevent more chalazia developing.

How can you prevent a chalazion from developing?

A daily routine of lid cleaning and hot compresses can help remove dead skin and oils that could lead to blocked meibomian glands and subsequent cysts. Avoid touching your eyes and eyelids with dirty or oily hands, and get treatment for associated conditions like acne and rosacea.

Is eye cyst removal painful?

Our expert team use techniques to slowly administer local anaesthetic to reduce the sensation of pain. The eyelid is fully numbed before the procedure so you should only feel pressure rather than any pain.

Will I have scars after the treatment?

There is no scar on the skin but there will be a small scar on the inside of the eyelid.

What kind of anaesthesia is used?

Only local anaesthetic is required for chalazion removal and similar procedures. Your ophthalmic surgeon numbs the eyelid before draining the cyst.

How long does the surgery take?

At The Ezra Clinic, you can have your consultation and treatment on the same day. If surgery is necessary, the procedure should take no more than 30 minutes.

Is chalazion contagious?

Bacteria or other microorganisms do not cause chalazia, so they can not pass from person to person. However, a blocked gland may develop bacteria that can cause complications.

Always seek advice for any lumps or bumps on your eyelids or around your eyes. The Ezra Clinic specialises in eye treatments, and we will happily discuss chalazion removal cost, procedure time, and other details with you. Our experts are ready to help you get your quality of life back and remove chalazia’s discomfort and cosmetic impact.