From the Research
The recommended treatment for a chalazion typically begins with warm compresses applied to the affected eyelid for 10-15 minutes, 4-6 times daily, as this approach has been shown to be effective in resolving chalazia, with a resolution rate of 46% as reported in a study published in the Clinical & Experimental Ophthalmology journal 1.
Initial Treatment
- Warm compresses: applied to the affected eyelid for 10-15 minutes, 4-6 times daily, to soften the blocked oil and promote drainage
- Gentle massage: of the eyelid after applying warm compresses to help express the contents of the chalazion
- Good eyelid hygiene: including cleaning the eyelid margins with diluted baby shampoo or commercial eyelid cleansers
Persistent or Large Chalazions
- Antibiotic-steroid combination eye drops or ointments: such as tobramycin/dexamethasone, applied 2-4 times daily for 1-2 weeks
- Intralesional triamcinolone acetonide injections: have been shown to be effective in treating chalazia, with a resolution rate of 84% as reported in a study published in the Clinical & Experimental Ophthalmology journal 1
- Incision and curettage: may be necessary if conservative measures fail after 4-6 weeks, or if the chalazion is large and causing visual disturbance, with a resolution rate of 87% as reported in a study published in the Clinical & Experimental Ophthalmology journal 1
Additional Considerations
- Subclinical hypothyroidism: may predispose to recurrent chalazia, as reported in a case study published in the Case Reports in Ophthalmology journal 2
- Chalazion treatment outcomes: have been compared in various studies, including a review of clinical trials published in the Current Eye Research journal 3 and an interventional study published in the Nepalese Journal of Ophthalmology 4