Chalazions are recognized as small red bumps or swellings that occur on the corners of your eyelid as a result of inflammation. The condition is often caused by a blockage in the oil gland and does not result in any pain or discomfort. It is often confused with a stye due to its resemblance in appearance and features but is far less harmful to the health of your eyes. All the information about its symptoms, causes, diagnosis and treatments is expanded upon blow for your reference.
Symptoms
A chalazion can appear on your upper eyelid or lower lid with little notice of pain or discomfort. This makes it nearly impossible to diagnose it before its manifestation on the skin. It is often the color of your skin and appears as a small lump along the lining of the lid. It can appear red or unusually swollen if an infection is also present making the chalazion more painful. At times, depending on its size, it can also block your vision partially if it is majorly swollen or droops over the eye light onto your field of vision.
Causes
The main cause of chalazions are the inflamed oil glands that are present along the eyelids to keep your eyes moisturized. Upon the presence of microbial growth or unusual oil production, a small area of the skin rises above its usual curvature to make space for the excess production that has taken place. If you are prone to risk factors such as acne, blepharitis, rosacea and other types of inflammations, chalazion occur more frequently. Conjunctivitis can also cause chalazion growth on your eyelids.
Diagnosis
To ensure that you have a chalazion formation rather than a style, it is advisable to visit your eye doctor for confirmation. You will be asked about the various symptoms that you have experienced over the days which will help in understanding the issue much better. If you have any medical conditions that can further affect the growth and recurrence of a chalazion, it is recommended to share all the details with your doctor for the best results in treatment.
Treatment
Most often than not, chalazion disappears with time as the oil gland secretion is evenly distributed across the skin and does not require any foreign intervention. If the inflammation has been caused by the girth of bacteria or other microbes, your ophthalmologist will refer you to apt medication that will reduce the infection while preventing further complications. Besides these methods, it is also advisable to not touch the chalazion as it can create a nonexistent inflammation from the germs present on your hands.
For relief and reduction in swelling, a warm compress can be used over the affected area for 10 minutes at a stretch for optimal results. If none of the external treatments prove to be affected, a steroid injection or surgery at an eye clinic might be necessary to eradicate the problem at its root. Your ophthalmologist will help determine the best path keeping in mind the various risk factors, complications, and medical history you present at the consultation.
If you are experiencing symptoms that appear to be similar to the description above, it is essential to book an appointment with an eye doctor for a definitive diagnosis. At Ebsaar Eye Surgery Center, we have a team of eye specialists who can help you receive the best care and treatment for any and every eye condition. Contact us today and get started on your diagnosis.