From the Research
Yes, chalazions typically form inside the inner part of the eyelid, specifically within the tarsal plate where the meibomian glands are located. A chalazion is a small, painless lump that develops when an oil gland in the eyelid becomes blocked and inflamed. These oil glands, called meibomian glands, produce an oily fluid that is part of the tear film, and their obstruction is common, resulting in a meibomian cyst or chalazion 1. When one of these glands becomes obstructed, the oil it produces builds up behind the blockage, causing swelling and inflammation that presents as a visible bump. Chalazions can occur on either the upper or lower eyelid and may initially cause redness, tenderness, and swelling before developing into a firm, painless nodule.
Some key points to consider about chalazions include:
- They are a non-inflammatory process that develops due to retained secretion of the meibomian or Zeis glands 1.
- Treatment of choice differs among clinicians and may include application of warm compresses onto eyelids, lid hygiene, using local antibiotic ointment with or without steroids, injecting steroid solution into the lesion, and surgical removal of the lesion by incision and curettage 1.
- Chalazion causes meibomian gland loss, and the range of meibomian gland loss is not related to the treatment method but to the range of chalazion itself 2.
- A hot compress as part of conservative treatment can improve meibomian gland function at the site of chalazion in the short term 2.
Treatment typically involves warm compresses applied to the affected area for 10-15 minutes, 4-6 times daily, which helps to soften the hardened oil and promote drainage. Gentle massage of the area after applying warm compresses may also help. If the chalazion persists for more than a month despite these measures, becomes very large, or affects vision, medical intervention such as steroid injection or surgical drainage may be necessary. The subconjunctival approach for chalazion surgery has been reported to have advantages, including a fast and simple procedure with an excellent cosmetic result 3. Imaging meibomian glands using novel meibography methods can also help evaluate the structure of the meibomian glands in the area affected by chalazia 4.