Chalazion Archives - Jessica Lattman, MD

What is a Chalazion and how do I treat it?

Jessica Lattman, MD — Thu, 17 Jul 2025 20:37:22 +0000

A chalazion is a small lump or swelling on the eyelid. Chalazia are caused by a blockage in a meibomian gland on the eyelid. It can develop on the upper or lower eyelid. Some people are more prone to get chalazions than others.

Risk factors for chalazia include acne, rosacea, blepharitis or any long-term inflammation of the eyelid. In my experience, life factors such as stress, travel and big life events can bring on an episode.

I will typically diagnose a chalazion by simply examining the eyelid. I may also look under the eyelid also to see the full extent. I will also examine the meibomian glands. If there is any associated blepharitis or dry eye I will offer treatments for those conditions as well.

Treatments for chalazia include, warm compresses, topical antibiotic drops and oral antibiotics. In the office I may also inject the area with steroid (Kenalog) to help the chalazion shrink. In some cases, I will surgically drain the chalazion. The surgical drainage is also done in the office.

Most chalazia will eventually go away on their own, although this can take many months. Medical treatments help to shorten the course of the chalazia.

Call us at (212) 832-5456 or request online that we call you back by submitting our online request form here.

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What is a Chalazion?

Jessica Lattman, MD — Fri, 18 Jul 2025 17:04:43 +0000

A chalazion occurs when a small oil gland in the eyelid becomes blocked. The secretions from the gland leak out into the surrounding eyelid tissue and cause redness and inflammation.

Some common symptoms of a chalazion are:

A lump on the eyelid
Swelling of the eyelid
Soreness or discomfort
Redness
Blurry vision
A droopy eyelid

Certain conditions can make you more likely to get a chalazion. These include blepharitis and rosacea. Very rarely a skin cancer on the eyelid can cause a chalazion to form.

At the first signs of a chalazion developing, the most important thing to do is begin warm compresses to the affected area 4–5 times a day. This will help open up the blocked gland and also help the body to heal the surrounding inflamed tissue.

If the warm compresses do not help, then it is important to come into the office for an evaluation. Topical medication, oral antibiotics, injections into the area and possible surgical drainage may be necessary.

After I treat your chalazion, I will evaluate your eyelids for the associated conditions—blepharitis and rosacea—and suggest some easy ways to prevent recurrence. Learn more about Chalazion

Call us at (212) 832-5456, or request online that we call you back by submitting our online request form here.

The post What is a Chalazion? appeared first on Jessica Lattman, MD.