From the Guidelines
A chalazion is best treated with warm compresses applied to the affected eyelid for several minutes, 4-6 times daily, in combination with gentle eyelid massage to express the meibomian glands, as recommended by the most recent guidelines 1. This approach helps soften the blocked oil and promote drainage, and is often used in combination with other treatments such as artificial tears, topical perfluorohexyloctane, and topical anti-inflammatory agents. The optimal treatment regimen may require persistence and a trial-and-error approach, and the patient should be instructed to avoid using compresses that are too hot, which can burn the skin 1. Some key points to consider when treating a chalazion include:
- Warm compresses can be applied using hot tap water on a clean washcloth, an over-the-counter heat pack, or a homemade bean/rice bag heated in the microwave 1
- Gentle eyelid massage can be performed to express meibomian secretions, and vertical eyelid massage can be used to remove crusting from the eyelashes 1
- Cleaning the eyelid can be safely accomplished by having the patient gently rub the base of the eyelashes using either diluted baby shampoo or a commercially available eyelid cleaner 1
- If the chalazion is inflamed, antibiotic eye drops or ointment may be prescribed to prevent secondary infection, and for persistent or large chalazions, a steroid injection into the lesion may help reduce inflammation 1. It is essential to note that while the 2019 guidelines 1 also recommend warm compresses and eyelid cleansing, the most recent guidelines from 2024 1 provide more comprehensive and up-to-date recommendations for the treatment of chalazions.