Chalazion | Symptoms & Causes
What causes a chalazion?
A chalazion is caused by a blockage of one of the glands in the eyelid. Swelling may also occur in other parts of the eye due to a secondary infection.
What are the symptoms of a chalazion?
Each child may experience symptoms differently, but the most common symptoms of a chalazion include:
- a small bump that can usually be felt in the eyelid
- a gradual swelling of the eyelid
- discomfort in the eye or difficulty seeing if the chalazion is large
Swelling associated with a chalazion is not usually painful, but the entire lid may become swollen and painful if the initial chalazion becomes infected.
Because the symptoms of a chalazion may resemble other conditions or medical problems, you should always consult your child's physician for a diagnosis.
Chalazion | Diagnosis & Treatments
How is a chalazion diagnosed?
A chalazion is usually diagnosed based on a complete medical history and physical examination of your child. Additional tests are usually not required to assist in diagnosis. If your child has a small chalazion, it may go away on its own without treatment in a couple of months.
How is a chalazion treated?
Treatment of a secondary infection or larger chalazion may include:
- antibiotic drops for the eye
- applying warm, wet compresses to your child's eyes for a period of approximately 15 minutes, several times throughout the day
- instructing your child not to squeeze or rub the chalazion
- having your child wash his or her hands frequently
If symptoms do not improve, surgery may be necessary to remove the chalazion.