A chalazion, appears as a well defined lump within the eyelid. The upper and lower eyelids each contain about 30 oil secreting glands that open at the edge of the lid, and travel deep within the plate of the eyelid. If one or more of these glands becomes blocked, the gland continues to make the secretion, but this is trapped within the lid and eventually forms a rounded lump within the lid. There may be mild soreness initially since the trapped material creates some inflammation in the eyelid. The swelling may protrude toward the eye, toward the outside and appear to be just under the skin, or protrude at the edge of the eyelid. Conditions such as blepharitis and rosacea may lead to chalazion formation. In most cases, the chalazion will drain spontaneously if hot compresses are applied to the eyelid a few times a day for a few days to a week. Sometimes an antibiotic ointment or an oral antibiotic may help. In cases where the chalazion does not drain, it can be drained surgically under local anesthesia in the office. This procedure should not be overdone, since it may lead to the loss of numerous glands in the eyelid, which could lead to a dry eye problem in some people.
Sometimes a chalazion leads to the formation of a "granuloma", which is a reactive fleshy growth on the inside of the eyelid. This too can be removed if necessary. Lumps in the eyelid can put pressure on the eye which can temporarily cause astigmatism, or a change in the shape of the eye.
