- Procedure Time
5-10 minutes - Anaesthesia
Local - Overnight stay
Not needed - Recovery Time
2 weeks
What is Chalazion?
Cysts that form on the eyelids as a result of the occlusion of the glands on the edges of the eyelids are called chalazion or eyelid cyst. Chalazions, which are small, painless and lump-like swellings, usually disappear within a few weeks. However, although rare, these cysts may persist for longer than that. Chalazions are often confused with styes because of their similar appearance. But chalazion, although it may be caused by styes, is not an infectious condition. Therefore, the correct diagnosis is important for the treatment of chalazion. For the treatment of chalazions that do not heal for a long time, operations known as chalazion surgery should be applied.
What Are the Symptoms of Chalazion?
Chalazions are cystic lumps that can occur in one or both eyes. These cysts, which are generally not painful, tend to grow slowly. Although it can affect the upper or lower eyelids, most chalazions occur on the upper eyelid. Common chalazion symptoms include:
· Drooping eyelid
· Redness and swelling of the eyes and eyelids
· Eye watering and irritation
· Pressure and stinging sensations in the eyeball
· Blurred vision
· Discomfort when blinking
The chalazion may remain as the remnant of a sty whose infection has healed. It can be confused with a sty, as it is similar in appearance. The biggest difference between a sty and chalazion is pain. Styes usually consist of painful bumps. However, chalazion appears as sebaceous gland-like bumps that do not cause pain.
What Causes Chalazion?
Any health problem that can affect the skin or eyes, especially inflammatory eye diseases, can cause chalazions. Some diseases such as seborrheic dermatitis, acne rosacea (rose disease), chronic blepharitis can cause frequent or long-lasting chalazions. Apart from these, as in many parts of the body, there are various glands in the eyes. The most common cause of chalazion is the blockage of the meibomian glands, which produce the oils in the tears in order to moisturize and protect the eyes and to perform the blinking process without any problems. The oil produced due to the blockages in the ducts of the secretory gland accumulates in the eyelid and causes a cyst formation. Some other risk factors that can be effective in the formation of chalazion include:
· Viral conjunctivitis
· Different viral diseases
· Skin cancer
· Tuberculosis
· Diabetes
· Bacterial infections
Depending on the cause, some chalazions may recur frequently after healing. In such cases, eye health may also be adversely affected by cysts or large cysts that form continuously. For this reason, research and treatment planning for health problems that trigger recurrent eyelid cysts should be carried out more meticulously.
How is the surgery performed?
In the chalazion surgery process, the following procedures are applied in order. First, the eye is anesthetized, then the area where the cyst (chalazion) is located is anesthetized with a needle. An incision is made under the cyst under the eyelid and the oil gland inside is drained out. The operation time is around 5-10 minutes.
Postoperative
After chalazion surgery, a slight redness and swelling may occur on the eyelid. This situation returns to normal after one week. There is no suture in the surgical treatment of chalazion. The patient can return to work the next day. The bandage is kept on the eye for only 1 day. The patient is called for control the day after the operation and one month after the operation.
Potential Risks of the Chalazion Surgery
Chalazion surgery carries two risks. The first is the inability to completely empty the cyst, and the second is the recurrence of the disease. Chalazion surgery is an operation that should be performed by specialist physicians in the field of ophthalmology.