Chalazion
A small swelling or lump on the eyelid caused by a blocked gland — one of the most common eyelid lumps.
Overview
A chalazion is a small swelling or lump on your eyelid caused by a blocked gland. They are called chalazia if you have more than one, and they are among the most common types of eyelid lumps. Chalazia are most likely to happen on the upper eyelid, can appear on both eyes at once, and often go away and come back.
A chalazion can be hard to tell apart from a stye. Styes happen along the edge of the eyelid, sometimes at the base of an eyelash, while chalazia are usually toward the middle of the lid. A stye is more likely to be painful and often has a yellowish central spot. A stye can become a chalazion if the infection clears but material remains stuck in the gland.
Common symptoms
- A small area that is red, swollen, sore or painful when touched, becoming a firm lump after a few days
- Watery eyes
- Mild eye irritation
- Blurry vision
Prevention & self-care
- Apply warm compresses for 5–10 minutes twice daily
- Clean lid margins gently to keep glands open
- Remove eye makeup fully before sleep
- Do not squeeze or pierce the lump
When to see a doctor
See an eye clinician for a lump that affects vision, keeps recurring in the same spot, or comes with spreading redness of the eyelid.
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