Meibomian Cyst (Chalazion-Cyst on eye) - Medtick
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Meibomian Cyst (Chalazion-Cyst on eye)

What is it?

A  firm round lump (cyst)in the upper or lower eyelid.

  • It can sometimes be mistaken for a stye.
Unless infected, it is harmless and nearly all resolve if given enough time.
Chalazion may take up to six months to resolve if the blockage of the gland hardens
Stye and Chalazion. BMJ Best Practice. 2024. Accessed February 2025. https://bestpractice.bmj.com/topics/en-gb/214
Styes (hordeola). National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. 2019. Accessed February 2025. https://cks.nice.org.uk/topics/styes-hordeola
Hordeolum. The College of Optometrists. 2023. Accessed February 2025. https://www.college-optometrists.org/clinical-guidance/clinical-management-guidelines/hordeolum

Cause

  • Long term inflammation/blockage of the meibomian gland.
  • Beginning at the base of eyelash, resembling a pimple, usually caused by infection of the hair follicle.
  • Blepharitis

Symptoms

  • Eyelid swelling or lump (lumps sized 2–8mm, eye lid further away from the lid margin)?
  • Eyelid tenderness?
  • If inflamed, can be red, watering and sore eye?
  • Heaviness of the eyelid?
  • Conjunctivitis (eye infection: sticky and/or red eye)?

Moorfields

  • Can be a single one or multiple on one or both eye?

Complications /Information to beware of/General tips:

This condition can cause:

  • Eye infection
  • Skin infection
  • If getting bigger and blocking vision and/or pearly nodule formation or non-resolving chalazion it might be a sign of cancer.

General tips and Treatment

  • Apply a warm compress ((between 40–45°C for up to ten minutes or or hot spoon bathing multiple times a day) which can be used to increase drainage of the affected gland.
  • Gently massage after warm compress to help to express the contents of the cyst
  • Often disappear without further treatment within a few months and virtually all will re-absorb within two years
  • Conjunctivitis tips

Moorfields

This condition may be associated with:

This condition may show similar symptoms to:

Please talk to your healthcare professional (i.e. Medical Doctor/Pharmacist) for further advice

Detailed Information

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