From the Guidelines
The treatment for a chalazion typically begins with warm compresses applied to the affected eyelid for 10-15 minutes, 4-6 times daily, as recommended by the most recent guidelines 1. This helps to soften the hardened oil and promote drainage. Gentle massage of the eyelid after applying warm compresses can further encourage drainage. Good eyelid hygiene is essential, including cleaning the eyelid margins with diluted baby shampoo or commercial eyelid cleansers. For persistent chalazia, a doctor may prescribe antibiotic-steroid eye drops or ointments such as tobramycin/dexamethasone to reduce inflammation. If the chalazion doesn't respond to these conservative measures within 2-4 weeks, or if it's particularly large or causing vision problems, surgical incision and drainage may be necessary. This minor procedure is typically performed under local anesthesia in a doctor's office. Chalazia form when an oil gland in the eyelid becomes blocked and inflamed, creating a small lump. Most chalazia resolve with conservative treatment, but recurrent chalazia may indicate an underlying condition like blepharitis or rosacea that should be addressed to prevent future occurrences. Some key points to consider in the treatment of chalazion include:
- Warm compresses to promote drainage and soften the hardened oil
- Gentle massage to encourage drainage
- Good eyelid hygiene to prevent infection and promote healing
- Antibiotic-steroid eye drops or ointments for persistent cases
- Surgical incision and drainage for large or vision-threatening chalazia. It's worth noting that while other studies 1 discuss various treatments for different conditions, the most relevant and recent guideline for treating chalazion is from 1, which emphasizes the importance of warm compresses and good eyelid hygiene.
From the Research
Treatment Options for Chalazion
- Application of warm compresses onto the eyelids 2
- Lid hygiene 2
- Use of local antibiotic ointment with or without steroids 2
- Injection of steroid solution (triamcinolone acetonide) into the lesion 2, 3, 4
- Surgical removal of the lesion by incision and curettage 2, 4, 5
- Injection of botulinum toxin A 2
- Tarsal trephination 2
- Removal of chalazion by application of CO2 laser or cryogenic action 2
Efficacy of Treatment Options
- Subcutaneous steroid injection has been shown to be effective in treating chalazion, with a success rate of 89.6% in one study 3
- Intralesional corticosteroid injection has been compared to surgical treatment, with similar success rates after second injection 4
- Conservative therapy, including hot compresses and antibiotic ointment, has been shown to be effective in treating chalazion, with a complete resolution rate of 18% 6
- Thermal cautery after chalazion surgery has been shown to have no significant impact on recurrence rates 5
Considerations for Treatment
- The choice of treatment may depend on the size and duration of the chalazion, as well as the patient's individual needs and preferences 2, 6
- Physicians may consider moving directly to more invasive therapies, such as incision and curettage or steroid injections, for chalazia that have been present for more than 2 months 6