Chalazion | |
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Other names |
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Eyelid affected by a chalazion | |
Pronunciation | |
Specialty | Ophthalmology, optometry |
Symptoms | Red, non painful cyst in middle of the eyelid[2] |
Usual onset | Gradually over a few weeks[2] |
Differential diagnosis | Stye, cellulitis[2] |
Treatment | Warm compresses, steroid injection, surgery[2] |
Frequency | Unknown[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]
Kanski
was invoked but never defined (see the help page).