Chalazion

Your eye lids have numerous oil-producing glands called meibomian glands. Inflammation of one of the oil glands due to blockage causes swelling in the eye lids, which is localized and resembles a pea-like lump under your eye lid. At times, the site of the chalazion may also get infected. However, although a chalazion may get infected later, it doesn’t start off as an infection, and is rather an inflammation.

Chalazions vary in size and could be small or large. Smaller chalazions do not have any symptoms and usually disappear on their own. Larger chalazions, however, can distort the shape of your eye, which can also affect vision. Chalazions are more common in people suffering from eye disorders, such as blepharitis or skin disorders, such as eczema. ​

Eye lid inflammation is the most obvious symptom of a chalazion, visible as a lump under your eye lid. Other signs and symptoms include:

  • Mild pain or irritation at the site of the chalazion, especially for smaller chalazions

  • Chalazions becoming more swollen and painful if they also get infected

  • Blurred vision if the chalazion becomes large enough to distort the shape of the eye

  • Sensitivity to light

  • Heavy feeling in eye lids

  • Tearing

  • Redness of the eye lid

If you suspect you may have a chalazion, consult an ophthalmologist (eye specialist) working with the Eye, Ear, Nose and Throat Service Line at The Aga Khan University Hospital to get an expert medical opinion and guaranteed quality health care.​​​


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​If you experience the above symptoms, you must get yourself evaluated by an eye specialist to find out the exact cause of your symptoms. 

Symptoms such as fever, headache, changes in vision, excessive swelling and redness that last for an extended period and recurring lumps in the eye are serious symptoms which must not be ignored. If you experience any of these symptoms, you must visit an ophthalmologist immediately.​


​Your time with your doctor may be limited, so make sure to prepare for your visit beforehand. Here are some tips to help get you started.​


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​Your medical history and eye examination will form the basis for making an initial diagnosis of your disorder. The eye examination will include a vision exam with the help of an eye chart, as well as examining your eye and the eye lids with special instruments. These will help your eye doctor determine if you have chalazions or if your symptoms are caused by another underlying disorder.​


​If a chalazion is not causing much pain and is small in size, a wait-and-see approach is adopted. This treatment option may take a long time, but the chalazion may go away on its own. Other options to manage your symptoms and provide relief include:

  • Use hot compress – such as a cloth dipped in warm water – gently over the affected part. You should do this for about five minutes, three to four times a day. The warmth will help soften the fluids inside the chalazions, helping them drain.

  • Gently massage the chalazion with your finger or cotton bud after a warm compress

  • Keep your eyes and eye lids clean to clear away any dirt or grime 

  • Antibiotic eye drops in case the chalazion site has become infected

  • In case symptoms of the chalazion do not improve and last more than a few days, or your vision is affected, your doctor may recommend removing it surgically. You must discuss your concerns and queries about your disorder in detail with your doctor before consenting to any procedure.

Treated at the right time, chalazions do not lead to any serious complications. It is important that you do not scratch or ‘pop’ your chalazion to prevent the symptoms from worsening.​


​The Aga Khan University Hospital offers various support services to help with managing or recovering from the disease or condition. These include but are not limited to nutrition, physiotherapy, rehabilitation, specialized clinics and some patient support groups. Your doctor or nurse will advise you accordingly.

The Aga Khan University Hospital offers financial assistance to those who are in need and fulfil the eligibility criteria. For further information, you can contact the Patient Welfare Department. You can find the contact number of the Patient Welfare Department in the ‘Important Numbers’ section on the website homepage.

The financial counselling staff is available during office hours, at the main PBSD (Patient Business Services Department), to answer your financial queries on treatments’ costs and authorize admissions on partial deposit as per hospital policies allow. The financial counsellor in the emergency room is open 24/7. You can find the contact number of the Patient Business Services in the ‘Important Numbers’ section on the website homepage.​


​Your doctor and or nurse will give you specific instructions about the prescribed medication. Please ensure that you take or use the prescribed medicine as advised. It can be dangerous to your health if you self-prescribe. Please inform the doctor or nurse beforehand if you have experienced any adverse reactions to any medications in the past. If you experience any symptoms of drug poisoning, overdose or severe reaction please contact the Pharmacy Service at The Aga Khan University Hospital immediately. You can find the contact number of the Pharmacy Services in the ‘Important Numbers’ section on the website homepage​


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The information provided on our website is for educational purposes and not intended to be a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. You should always seek the advice of your doctor or other healthcare professional provider.