Chalazion

Chalazion overview

A chalazion (pronounced kuh‑LAY‑zee‑uhn) is a common, harmless lump that forms in your eyelid. It can look like a small, red, swollen bump and can feel like a pea inside your eyelid. It happens when one of the small oil glands in your eyelid gets blocked. It's usually nothing to be worried about.

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Meibomian Glands
These tiny glands are located in your eyelids and produce the oily layer of your tears. This oil helps to stop your tears from evaporating too quickly, keeping your eyes moist and comfortable. A chalazion is caused by a blockage in one of these glands.
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Eyelid
The skin that covers and protects your eyes. A chalazion can form on the upper or lower eyelid, though they are more common on the upper lid.
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Conjunctiva
The clear, thin membrane that covers the white part of your eye (sclera) and the inside of your eyelids. It helps lubricate the eye and protects it from germs.
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Sclera
The tough, white outer layer of the eyeball that gives the eye its shape and protects its inner components.

What is a chalazion?

A chalazion is a small cyst that develops when a meibomian gland in the eyelid becomes blocked. The oil produced by the gland builds up and hardens, forming a lump. It's a common condition, and while it can sometimes be mistaken for a stye, they are different. A chalazion is generally not an infection, whereas a stye is. People with skin conditions like rosacea or who have blepharitis (inflammation of the eyelids) may be more likely to get a chalazion.

Chalazion vs. Stye

It can be tricky to tell the difference between a chalazion and a stye, as both appear as lumps on the eyelid. The main difference is that a stye is a painful, infected gland at the edge of the eyelid, often at the base of an eyelash. A chalazion, on the other hand, is usually painless and develops further back on the eyelid. A stye can sometimes lead to a chalazion if it doesn't heal properly.

Learn more about styes

Symptoms of a chalazion

Many people with a chalazion experience no symptoms other than the presence of the lump itself. However, if the chalazion becomes inflamed, it can cause some discomfort. Common symptoms include:

A painless lump on the eyelid

This is the most obvious sign, and it usually develops slowly. It can be on the upper or lower eyelid.

Swollen eye

The eyelid may become generally swollen, although this is rare.

Learn more about swollen eyes

Red or bloodshot eyes

The area around the chalazion might look red and inflamed.

Learn more about red or bloodshot eyes

Watery eyes

Mild irritation from the chalazion can cause your eye to water.

Learn more about watery eyes

Blurry vision

If a chalazion becomes large enough, it can press on your eyeball, causing your vision to become blurry. This is a key sign that you should see an optometrist.

Learn more about blurry vision

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What causes a chalazion?

A chalazion is caused by a blockage in one of the tiny meibomian glands in the eyelids. These glands produce oil to keep the eyes moist. When a gland gets blocked, the oil builds up and forms a lump. It's not always clear why these glands get blocked, but it's often linked to conditions like blepharitis, which is inflammation of the eyelids.

Who’s more likely to get it?

Chalazions are most common in adults between the ages of 30 and 50, but they can occur at any age. You're more likely to get one if you've had a chalazion before, or if you have certain underlying conditions like blepharitis (inflammation of the eyelids) or skin conditions such as rosacea.

How is a chalazion diagnosed?

An optometrist can usually diagnose a chalazion by examining your eyelid. They will take a close look at the lump and your eyelid margins, often using a slit lamp, which is a special microscope with a bright light. This allows them to see the area in detail and confirm whether it’s a chalazion or something else. They will also ask about your symptoms and your general health to better understand what might be causing it.

Patient history

Your optometrist will ask about your symptoms and any previous eye problems to understand the situation.

External eye examination

They will look at your eye, eyelid structure, skin texture, and eyelash appearance.

Slit‑lamp examination

This is the main tool for diagnosis. It provides a highly magnified view of your eyelid, the gland openings, and the chalazion itself.

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How is a chalazion treated?

Most chalazion will resolve on their own within a few weeks or a month, but there are things you can do at home to help the healing process. The main treatment is applying a warm compress to the eyelid and practicing good lid hygiene.

When a chalazion needs medical help

While most chalazia are harmless, you should see an optometrist if it hasn't resolved after a few weeks, if it increases in size, or if it starts to affect your vision. In some cases, your optometrist might recommend further treatment.

The primary treatment involves applying warm compresses to soften the oils that block the glands. Using an eye heat mask is the best option; however, using a clean flannel soaked in hot water can also provide some benefits. Hold the hot compress against closed eyelids for 10 minutes, about 3‑4 times a day, for a couple of weeks. Followed by some gentle messaging of the eyelids to open up the glands.

Antibiotic eye drops or ointments

If the chalazion becomes infected, your optometrist or doctor may prescribe antibiotics.

Steroid injection

In some cases, a steroid injection can be used to reduce the inflammation.

Chalazion removal

Surgery is rarely needed, but it might be an option for a large, persistent chalazion that is causing blurry vision or is very bothersome. This is a minor procedure to drain the contents of the cyst.

Preventing a chalazion

The best way to prevent a chalazion is to practice good eyelid hygiene, especially if you are prone to them. This includes cleaning your eyelids daily to remove dirt, makeup, and excess oil that can clog the glands. If you have blepharitis, managing that condition is key to preventing chalazion.

Your questions about chalazion, answered

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Written with care and checked for accuracy

Bhavishna Narsey

BOptom(Hons) TPA

Bhavishna is a highly accomplished optometrist with a Bachelor of Optometry from The University of Auckland. With extensive global experience in private clinics, ophthalmology centres, hospital clinics and corporate optometry across the UK, Australia and New Zealand, she brings a wealth of expertise to her field.

In her current role as Clinical Performance Consultant in NSW & ACT, Bhavishna plays a pivotal role in supporting partners and optometrists in delivering expert clinical care. Her focus on creating exceptional customer journeys ensures that patients receive personalised and top‑notch eye care services.

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Chalazion overview

How your eyelid's surface works

Meibomian Glands

Eyelid

Conjunctiva

Sclera