Chalazion Removal

A chalazion is a common eyelid issue characterized by the formation of a painless, benign lump caused by the blockage of a meibomian gland that produces an oily secretion. Although not considered a serious condition, a chalazion can lead to discomfort, vision problems, and aesthetic concerns. Proper diagnosis and treatment are important for restoring comfort and appearance. Ophthalmologists at Dobrobut have extensive experience in treatment and provide comprehensive care using modern methods, including laser chalazion removal, ensuring optimal results and preventing complications.

Types of Chalazion

Chalazions can be classified by their characteristics:

Acute Chalazion: Develops suddenly and may be accompanied by inflammation and discomfort. It can sometimes be confused with a stye, which is usually more painful and caused by a bacterial infection.
Chronic Chalazion: May result from the recurrence of an acute chalazion, often becoming larger in size, resistant to treatment, and potentially leading to further complications.

Causes

The exact cause of a chalazion may not always be determined, but several factors can contribute to its development, including:

Blockage of sebaceous (meibomian) glands, which can occur due to poor eyelid hygiene or skin conditions such as blepharitis.
Inflammatory eyelid or skin conditions, such as seborrheic dermatitis.
Environmental factors like dust, smoke, and air pollution can irritate the eyelids and promote gland blockages.
Hormonal fluctuations, especially in women during the menstrual cycle, can lead to increased oil production and gland blockage.

Symptoms

A chalazion can manifest in several ways, but common signs include:

Swelling that appears as a hard, painless bump on the eyelid.
Redness and inflammation around the chalazion; the surrounding skin may look red and slightly swollen, especially in acute cases.
Increased sensitivity to light if the chalazion presses on the eye.
Discomfort in the eye, feeling like heaviness or irritation in the affected eye.

When to See a Doctor

It's important to consult a doctor if a chalazion persists for more than a few weeks without improvement, causes significant vision issues or eye pressure, shows worsening signs of inflammation, or if there are recurrent episodes.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of a chalazion typically includes reviewing symptoms and medical history, an ophthalmological examination where the doctor carefully examines the eyelids and surrounding areas, directly assessing the chalazion (size, shape, location), and performing standard tests to detect any impact on vision. Additional examination is usually unnecessary, as a chalazion is often diagnosed through clinical evaluation.

Treatment of Chalazion

Depending on the cause of the chalazion, the doctor may recommend the following treatment options:

Conservative Treatment:

Warm compresses on the eyelids for 10–15 minutes several times a day: This can help soften the gland blockage and promote drainage.
Gentle massage of the chalazion area may help unblock clogged glands.

Medical Treatment:

Topical antibiotics in ointment form may be prescribed if there is a concurrent bacterial infection or inflammation.
Corticosteroids help reduce inflammation and assist in the resolution of the chalazion.

Surgical Methods for Chalazion Removal:

Laser removal of chalazion: If conservative methods are ineffective, laser removal may be recommended. The procedure allows for precise removal of the chalazion quickly, with minimal discomfort, and requires little recovery time.

If chalazion removal is necessary in Kyiv, you can contact the Dobrobut ophthalmology clinic for consultation and treatment.

Recovery

After surgical removal of a chalazion, patients are given clear care instructions to ensure optimal healing. Necessary medications are prescribed, and the importance of follow-up visits is emphasized, as well as advice to avoid rubbing the eyes.

Complications

If a chalazion is left untreated, it can lead to complications such as:

Recurrence requiring repeated or additional treatment.
Infection and development of a more severe condition, like a stye, which can cause pain, pus drainage, and increased redness.
Vision problems if the chalazion grows large enough to press on the eyeball, leading to visual disturbances or blurred vision.
Scarring of the eyelids, especially with chronic chalazion or improper treatment.

Prevention of Chalazion

To prevent the development of a chalazion, follow these guidelines:

Good eyelid hygiene, including regular cleaning with mild soap or special eyelid wipes, helps prevent the buildup of sebaceous secretions that can block glands.
Timely treatment of skin conditions; avoid excessive eye contact to prevent bacteria entry, irritation, and inflammation.
Regular check-ups with an ophthalmologist can help identify and address problems at early stages more effectively.

Chalazion in Children

Chalazions can also occur in children. In childhood, they have specific characteristics:

Blockage occurs more often as the sebaceous glands of the eyelids are still developing and may not have a well-developed cleansing mechanism.

Asymptomatic course: Generally, children do not feel discomfort associated with a chalazion, but parents may notice the lump. It is important to watch for signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, or pus discharge.

Treatment in children often starts with conservative measures like warm compresses and gentle eyelid massages to help the gland unblock itself. If these methods are ineffective or the chalazion persists, laser removal or surgery may be recommended depending on the child’s age and vision impact.

In summary, a chalazion is a common issue that can occur at any age. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment are key to resolving this condition effectively. At Dobrobut ophthalmology, a comprehensive approach is offered, using advanced treatment methods like laser chalazion removal when necessary.

You can schedule a consultation through the website form or by calling the contact center, where our administrators will answer all questions, including about the cost of laser chalazion removal.