What is a chalazion and why does it appear?
A chalazion is a lump that forms on the eyelid due to the blockage of a sebaceous gland, specifically the Meibomian gland. These glands are located within the eyelid and are responsible for secreting an oily substance that helps lubricate the eye and prevent tears from evaporating too quickly.
When one of these glands becomes blocked, the oil cannot escape, accumulates inside the gland, and eventually forms a lump. Unlike a stye, which is usually painful and caused by a bacterial infection, a chalazion is generally painless and not related to bacteria.
How to identify a chalazion
At first, many people confuse a chalazion with a stye, as both appear as a small swelling on the eyelid. However, over time, the chalazion tends to be less painful, firmer to the touch, and grows more slowly. Common signs of a chalazion include:
- A round bump on the upper or lower eyelid
- A sensation of heaviness in the eyelid
- Mild tenderness or redness in some cases
- Blurred vision if the lump presses against the eyeball
- Excessive tearing or visual discomfort
Initial treatments: Is surgery always necessary?
No. In most cases, a chalazion can resolve without surgical intervention. The first approach involves conservative measures such as:
- Warm compresses applied several times a day (10–15 minutes per session) to soften the gland’s contents and promote natural drainage
- Gentle eyelid massages guided by an ophthalmologist to help empty the blocked gland
- Daily eyelid hygiene using specific ophthalmic solutions or diluted baby shampoo
If the chalazion does not improve after several weeks of conservative treatment, surgery may be considered.
When is chalazion surgery recommended?
Surgery is recommended in the following cases:
- The chalazion does not go away after multiple attempts with home treatments
- It is large and causes pressure on the eye, affecting vision quality
- It becomes painful or infected
- It causes aesthetic concern or emotional discomfort
At MasVision, a full evaluation is performed before surgery, including a physical exam, medical history, and, if needed, eyelid imaging to rule out other conditions.
What is chalazion surgery like?
It’s a quick and very safe outpatient procedure performed under local anesthesia. In general, the process involves:
- Applying local anesthesia to the affected eyelid
- Using a small clamp to stabilize the eyelid
- Making a small internal or external incision, depending on the location of the lump
- Draining the oily contents of the chalazion and removing the accumulated material
- In some cases, placing a fine suture or simply allowing the incision to heal naturally
- Applying antibiotic ointment and covering the eye with a patch for a few hours
The surgery usually takes 15 to 30 minutes.
Recovery after surgery: What to expect
One of the biggest advantages of this procedure is its quick recovery. Most patients can resume normal activities the next day, although it’s recommended to:
- Avoid rubbing the eye for the first few days
- Not wear makeup or contact lenses for at least one week
- Apply topical antibiotics as prescribed
- Attend follow-up appointments to ensure proper healing
Mild discomfort, swelling, and small bruises are normal and typically resolve in a few days.
Chalazion surgery at MasVision: Experience, technology, and care
At MasVision, we have a team of experienced ophthalmology specialists in chalazion treatment and surgery. Our approach is based on:
- Personalized evaluation for each patient
- Advanced technology to ensure precision and safety
- Compassionate care, with postoperative follow-up and support throughout the process
- Certified surgical and hygiene protocols to provide peace of mind
Our commitment is to help you restore your visual well-being with complete confidence.
Conclusion: Is chalazion surgery right for you?
If you’ve been dealing with a persistent chalazion that doesn’t respond to conventional treatment, surgery may be the definitive solution. While it’s a minor procedure, it’s essential to have it performed by trained professionals in a safe clinical environment.
Remember: not all eyelid lumps are chalazions, and accurate evaluation is key before making any decisions. At MasVision, we ensure you receive the most appropriate treatment for your case.
Would you like to know if you need chalazion surgery?
📲 Schedule your evaluation with us at 4790767 – 4019167 or via WhatsApp at +57 3136717418
📍 We’re located in downtown Medellín, Torre Fundadores, 9th floor
✅ Supervised by Supersalud