# What is a Chalazion (Eyelid Cyst)?

Source page: https://www.kudretgozistanbul.com/en/blog/eye-diseases/what-is-a-chalazion

**Author:** Kudret Eye İstanbul | **Medical Approval:** Op. Dr. Mehmet Ali Özdil | **Date:** 2026-09-14

> **Summary:** A chalazion is a red, usually painless swelling in the eyelid caused by blockage of the meibomian oil glands, most often in the upper lid. It is not an infection, and it usually resolves with warm compresses, massage and drops, with a short, simple surgical procedure only for advanced or growing cysts.

## Quick Facts
- **Cause:** Blocked eyelid oil glands (not an infection)
- **Usual location:** Upper eyelid
- **Home care:** Warm compress three times a day, gentle massage, no make-up
- **Natural course:** Some small chalazia resolve within two to four weeks
- **Surgery:** Small incision with the eyelid anaesthetised, no stitches

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## What is a Chalazion?
A chalazion forms when the meibomian glands in the tarsal plate of the eyelid become blocked or produce too much oil, causing inflammation and swelling. A swollen lid may not open fully and can obstruct vision.

## Chalazion vs Stye
A stye (hordeolum) is a bacterial infection at the lash roots, with internal and external types.
- A stye is painful and swollen; a chalazion is generally painless.
- A stye comes from infected lash roots; a chalazion from blocked eyelid oil glands.
- A stye usually forms at the lid edge; a chalazion can also appear in the middle of the lid.
- A stye can affect the whole lid; this is rare with a chalazion.

## Risk Factors
- **Rosacea:** facial skin inflammation that can spread to the eyelid.
- **Seborrhoeic dermatitis:** affects the scalp, face, eyelids and ears and can cause blockages.
- **Blepharitis:** inflammation of the lid margin that can block the oil glands.

## Symptoms
- A firm, generally painless eyelid swelling
- Redness as the cyst grows, and a rash where the skin is stretched
- Early tenderness, then swelling and pain
- Blurred vision
- Watering or dryness of the eye
- Pain and redness if infected
- Swelling of the whole eyelid

It can be seen in every age group, including children.

## Diagnosis and Treatment
Diagnosis is clinical, and early treatment stops progression.

### Home Treatment
- No make-up on the area, as it blocks pores and delays healing.
- Warm compress three times a day to open the blocked glands.
- Gentle massage as the doctor recommends, without too much pressure.
- Eye drops and ointments to ease inflammation and open the glands, used regularly if prescribed.

### Surgery
- For advanced or growing chalazia.
- The eyelid is anaesthetised, so no pain is felt; the cyst is removed through a small incision.
- Short and simple; no stitches needed.
- Mild tenderness and pain afterwards; antibiotics may be used to prevent infection.

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## Frequently Asked Questions

**Q: What causes a chalazion?**
A: Blockage of the eyelid oil glands and build-up of the oily secretion.

**Q: Does a chalazion resolve by itself?**
A: Some small ones resolve within two to four weeks. If it grows or recurs often, see a doctor.

**Q: How does it differ from a stye?**
A: A stye comes from infection and is painful; a chalazion generally involves no infection and is painless.

**Q: Is surgery needed?**
A: Usually not. If the cyst grows and obstructs vision, it can be removed with a small procedure.

**Q: Does a chalazion recur?**
A: Yes, especially with poor eye hygiene or blepharitis.