Chalazion

For the fungi genus, see Chalazion (fungus).
"Chalazia" redirects here. For the structure inside bird eggs and plant ovules, see Chalaza. For the mite, see Chalaza (mite).
Chalazion
Other names
  • Meibomian cyst,
  • Meibomian cyst lipogranuloma[1]
Eyelid affected by a chalazion
Pronunciation
SpecialtyOphthalmology, optometry
SymptomsRed, non painful cyst in middle of the eyelid[2]
Usual onsetGradually over a few weeks[2]
Differential diagnosisStye, cellulitis[2]
TreatmentWarm compresses, steroid injection, surgery[2]
FrequencyUnknown[3]

A chalazion (/kəˈleɪziən/; plural chalazia or chalazions) or meibomian cyst[4] is not a cyst but a granuloma[5] in the eyelid that results from a blocked meibomian gland.[6][7] It typically occurs in the middle of the eyelid, red, and not painful.[2] They tend to come on gradually over a few weeks.[2]

A chalazion may occur following a stye or from hardened oils blocking the gland.[2] The blocked gland is usually the meibomian gland, but can also be the gland of Zeis.[8]

A stye and cellulitis may appear similar.[2] A stye, however, is usually more sudden in onset, painful, and occurs at the edge of the eyelid.[2] Cellulitis is also typically painful.[2]

Treatment is initiated with warm compresses.[2] In addition, antibiotic/corticosteroid eyedrops or ointment may be used. If this is not effective, injecting corticosteroids into the lesion may be tried.[2] If large, incision and drainage may be recommended.[2] While relatively common, the frequency of the condition is unknown.[3] It is most common in people 30–50 years of age, and equally common in males and females.[9] The term is from Ancient Greek χαλάζιον (khalazion) 'small hailstone'.[10]

  1. ^ Duderstadt, Karen (2013). Pediatric Physical Examination: An Illustrated Handbook (2 ed.). Elsevier Health Sciences. p. 155. ISBN 9780323187206. Archived from the original on 2017-09-08.
  2. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m Carlisle, RT; Digiovanni, J (15 July 2015). "Differential Diagnosis of the Swollen Red Eyelid". American Family Physician. 92 (2): 106–12. PMID 26176369.
  3. ^ a b Rutter, Paul Professor; Newby, David (2013). Community Pharmacy ANZ: Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment (3 ed.). Elsevier Health Sciences. p. 57. ISBN 9780729583459. Archived from the original on 2016-10-18.
  4. ^ Cite error: The named reference Kanski was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  5. ^ Sihota, Ramanjit; Tandon, Radhika (2020). Parsons' Diseases of the Eye (23rd ed.). Elsevier. ISBN 978-81-312-5415-8.
  6. ^ "Eyelid Disorders Chalazion & Stye". National Eye Institute. 4 May 2010. Archived from the original on 18 October 2016. Retrieved 14 October 2016.
  7. ^ Korn, Bobby S. (2021). 2021-2022 Basic and Clinical Science Course, Section 07: Oculofacial Plastic and Orbital Surgery. American Academy of Ophthalmology. p. 181. ISBN 978-1681044453.
  8. ^ Deibel, JP; Cowling, K (May 2013). "Ocular inflammation and infection". Emergency Medicine Clinics of North America. 31 (2): 387–97. doi:10.1016/j.emc.2013.01.006. PMID 23601478.
  9. ^ Ferri's Clinical Advisor 2021 E-Book: 5 Books in 1. Elsevier Health Sciences. 10 June 2020. ISBN 9780323713344.
  10. ^ "chalazion (n.)". Online Etymology Dictionary. Archived from the original on 18 October 2016. Retrieved 15 October 2016.