Your eye doctor may be able to help you if you're experiencing the symptoms of Chalazion. You can be diagnosed with this eye problem by having your medical history taken and looking at your eyes. He or she will also examine the oil gland openings, margins, and texture of your eyelashes. Once diagnosed, most chalazions will heal on their own in a few weeks with minimal medical treatment.
Symptoms
A chalazion is a lump on the eyelid. It can grow slowly but may enlarge over time and cause pain. Although it does not hurt, it can cause irritation and eyelid inflammation. Your health care provider can make the diagnosis by looking at the eye and feeling the eyelid. These symptoms can continue and you might need to visit a doctor if they persist. Fortunately, there is not much to worry about with chalazion.
Although chalazion itself isn't contagious, it is important for you to use proper hygiene practices to reduce your chance of contracting the disease. After handling your eyes you should wash your hands thoroughly. Additionally, ensure your contacts and glasses remain clean. Also, you should follow your doctor's instructions for wearing contact lenses. Chalazion isn't contagious and can be caused from other conditions like stye. If your symptoms do not improve, your doctor may prescribe antibacterial medication.
Diagnosis
Through a physical exam, a doctor can diagnose chalazion. The doctor will perform a physical examination to determine if chalazion has occurred. This includes checking the vision and eyelids, as well as the skin and eyelashes. A large, painful bump could indicate inflammation or infection. A blood test can be done by the eye specialist to rule any other illnesses. A patient might have blurred vision. A medical professional may also refer a patient to a ophthalmologist if the condition persists or becomes recurrent.
The most common way to diagnose chalazion involves clinical testing. A complete history and exam will determine whether the condition is benign or malignant. Most cases will not require further investigation. If an alternative diagnosis is made, a biopsy may only be necessary. A majority of cases are benign and can generally be treated without any further testing. If it recurs it is important to check for malignancy.
Treatment
The severity of the condition determines the type and extent of treatment. Some people may experience pain, irritation, and swollen eyelids. In most cases, chalazion will clear up on its own within a few days. For severe cases, antibiotic eye drops may be prescribed or surgery may be necessary to remove the affected area. Steroid injections might also be administered, but these can cause permanent skin darkening.
Although chalazion doesn't spread, it should be avoided until the condition is resolved. If it continues to itch, an eye specialist may suggest steroid injections in order to reduce swelling. In addition to these medications, patients may be asked to wash their hands after removing contacts and after touching their eyes. Contact lenses should not be touched without disinfectant.
Recurrences
A chalazion (or benign bump) is a condition that occurs on the eyelid. Although often not painful, it can be uncomfortable. Patients may only seek medical attention if it continues to get worse. Recurrences of the condition are common, particularly in those who have a family history. These bumps are common, so what should you do? You can read more to learn how to treat this condition.
The majority of cases can be successfully treated. Although some cases of chalazion will recur later, the majority do not. Recurrences can occur for many reasons. There may be underlying issues. If you suspect there may be an underlying issue, a biopsy can be a good option. This can rule out more severe conditions. However, it may be a risk factor in recurrent chalazion.