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A chalazion is an enlargement of an oil gland deep in the eyelid caused by an obstruction of the gland's opening.

At first, a chalazion looks and feels like a stye: swollen eyelid, mild pain, and irritation. However, these symptoms disappear after 1 or 2 days, leaving a round, painless swelling in the eyelid that grows slowly for the first week. Occasionally, the swelling continues to grow and may press on the eyeball and cause slight blurring. A red or gray area may develop on the underside of the eyelid.

Most chalazions disappear without treatment within 2 to 8 weeks. If hot compresses are applied several times a day, chalazions may disappear sooner. If they remain after this time or if they cause vision changes, a doctor can drain them or inject a corticosteroid. Antibiotics are usually not an effective means of treatment.

Chalazion

Last full review/revision November 2007 by James Garrity, MD