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Chalazion Removal London 

Young woman putting one hand in her left eye

At a glance:

CHALAZION REMOVAL

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Symptoms

Quiet non-tender or tender, red, swollen, and warm bump on the eyelid with discomfort or mild pain. There can be multiple chalazion present. 

Age group

Can occur in children of all ages, young and older adults.

Diagnosis

Diagnosed through a physical examination by the Consultant eye specialist.

Treatment

Treatment options depend on assessment by Consultant

  1. Medical prescription drops and ointment plus further advice.
  2. Injection long-acting steroid into lesion.
  3. A removal procedure which drains the blocked oil gland, causing the chalazion to disappear. Most chalazion lasting more than two weeks fall into this group.
white woman with chalazion

Our clinic operates as a private surgery and is not affiliated with the NHS (National Health Service)

What is Chalazion?


Chalazion is characterised by either a quiet non-tender, or a tender, red, swollen, and warm bump on the eyelid. It is primarily caused by a blockage in one of the many oil glands of the eyelid, known as the meibomian glands.

This blockage occurs due to factors such as inflammation, bacterial infection, and the thickening of oil secretions. The lump may grow in size over time and cause discomfort or mild pain, or acute pain if it becomes very inflamed or infected. In some cases, it may also cause blurry or obstructed vision if it affects the position of the eyelid or puts pressure on the eye.

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woman with chalazion, close-up

When should you see a doctor?


Chalazion lasting more than a couple of weeks usually requires treatment by a drainage procedure. However, if it is very tender and swollen at the start, it requires either earlier medical or surgical treatment.

Some patients respond to medical prescription drops rather than surgery, and the eye specialist will advise the best treatment for optimal result, depending on the findings.

If you notice a persistent lump on your eyelid, especially if it is causing discomfort or affecting your vision, or persisting, make an appointment with a Consultant eye specialist for an eye and eyelid check-up.


What do patients experience before chalazion treatment?


Cataract surgery is the only way to treat a cataract. It involves replacing the cloudy lens of the eye with an artificial intraocular lens. The new lens allows you to see more light and have clear vision again.

The procedure is highly specialised and accurate and requires an ophthalmic surgeon with specific intro-ocular microsurgical skills. The surgery is done as a same-day case, and you do not have to stay in the hospital overnight.

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Chalazion Treatment benefits


Clinica’s chalazion treatment is more than just a procedure – it is a comprehensive experience designed to provide relief and enhance the quality of your life. Our treatment aims to effectively address both the symptoms and underlying causes of the condition, improving overall eye health.

The benefits of chalazion treatment include:

  • Alleviating discomfort and pain caused by the chalazion
  • Improving the appearance of the eyelid by reducing swelling and redness
  • Removing the visible lump, whether a quiet, non-painful or a tender swelling
  • Restoring visual acuity and reducing any blurry or obstructed vision caused by the chalazion
blue eyes and blonde hair woman

How long do the results last?


The results of chalazion surgery last permanently for most patients, as the treatment addresses the underlying causes of the condition. In most cases, a single surgical treatment is sufficient to remove the chalazion.

However, if a chalazion recurs, it may indicate that the underlying condition, calledblepharitis and meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD), is active and needs treatment.

Blepharitis is characterised by inflammation of the eyelids, typically caused by bacteria or abnormal oil production in the eyelid glands. As blepharitis is a distinct condition from chalazion influencing the onset of chalazion, it will require separate longer-term medical treatment.

woman with blue eyes, close-up

Chalazion (Meibomian Cyst) cycle

Chalazion removal procedure


Medical Treatment

Chalazion can be effectively treated with medication, particularly when the condition is still in its early stages. Medical treatment options for chalazion include:

  •          warm compresses
  •          eyelid hygiene
  •          antibioticsand anti-inflammatory eye drops
  •          steroid injections

Chalazion removal surgery

Incision and curettage is the surgical removal procedure used to remove chalazion when other treatment options have been unsuccessful or when the chalazion is particularly large or persistent.

The treatment is carried out by the Consultant Ophthalmic specialist, who is a highly trained and experienced eye specialist in draining eyelid chalazion. Local anaesthesia is used.

A small incision is made on the inside or rarely on the outside of the eyelid just above the eyelash line, depending on the location and size of the chalazion. The incision is carefully placed to effectively drain the blocked oil gland.

NOTE: There may be multiple chalazion requiring draining. Surgery is usually performed on one side at a time, since an eye dressing is placed afterwards.

After the incision is made, our eye surgeon gently removes the chalazion by curetting and expressing the contents to facilitate drainage. No sutures are required as the incision is left open to continue draining. The incision is usually small and heals naturally without the need for stitches.


Preparing for the procedure


Before the procedure, refrain from wearing any eye makeup on the same day of the procedure. If you wear contact lenses, remove them before the procedure and bring your glasses with you.

An eye dressing is placed over the eye at the end of the eyelid procedure for 24 hours to reduce bruising. You should not drive in the first 24 hours after the treatment. You should plan and arrange your travel home, accompanied and not by public transport.

Does Chalazion Treatment hurt?


Chalazion surgery is performed under local anaesthesia, which ensures that the surgical procedure is painless for the patient. Anaesthesia numbs the area around the chalazion, preventing any discomfort or pain during the treatment. This allows our eye surgeons to perform the necessary steps to remove the chalazion without causing any discomfort to the patient.

You may feel some pressure or mild sensations during the procedure, but you should not experience any pain. The anaesthesia effectively blocks the nerves in the affected area, ensuring that you remain comfortable throughout the treatment.

Chalazion Treatment illustration

Recovery & Aftercare


After chalazion removal recovery is quick, with patients often returning to their normal activities shortly after the procedure. In the first 24 hours the patient wears an eye dressing or eye pad. In the second 24 hours the patient may experience some continued leakage from the chalazion. There will be antibiotic ointment +/- drops to put in the eye after the pad is removed, to prevent infection.

Follow the aftercare instructions provided by Clinica’s surgeon to ensure proper healing and minimise the risk of complications. These instructions may include:

  •          cleaning and applying warm compresses to the treated area
  •          avoiding touching or rubbing the eyes other than for cleaning
  •          using prescribed medications as directed

Remember to attend any scheduled follow-up appointments with your surgeon to monitor your healing progress and address any concerns or questions.


Risk & Side Effects


Chalazion removals are generally safe procedures, but there are potential risks involved and side effects to be aware of. These may include:

  • Bleeding: Some minor bleeding may occur during the procedure, but it is usually minimal and stops on its own. When the eye dressing is removed after 24 hours, the eyelid will appear a little bruised, swollen and pink for a further 4 to 5 days.
  • Infection: Although rare, there is a small risk of infection at the incision site. This is treated with antibiotics.
  •   Scarring: In some cases, a small scar may form and be visible temporarily at the incision site but since this is usually on the under surface of the eyelid, it remains invisible. If the chalazion has been removed via the skin side, it heals rapidly and any scar is usually minimal, and fades over time. Eyelids heal very well after chalazion treatment.
  • Discomfort: You may experience some discomfort, swelling, or bruising in the treated area for 48hrs following the procedure. This is usually temporary and can be managed with over-the-counter pain medication and cold compresses. 
  • Recurrence: In some cases, chalazion may recur even after treatment. Recurrence of the treated chalazion can happen if there are underlying issues with the oil glands which have very thick secretions or healing is very rapid thus blocking the drainage incision before it has given enough time to drain fully. In over 80% patients the initial treatment is fully effective. Other chalazion can occur in different locations because of the underlying condition, blepharitis and meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD).
woman covering eye

OUR CONSULTANTS


Clinica London’s award-winning oculoplastic expert routinely performs all chalazion removal procedures with excellent results.

Miss Jane Olver, a Consultant Ophthalmologist and Oculoplastic Surgeon, founded Clinica London, overseeing Aesthetic Medicine and Surgery. With over 20 years of experience specialising in oculoplastic and cosmetic eyelid surgery, including endoscopic lacrimal surgery for adults and children with watery eyes.

Published extensively in scientific journals on Ophthalmology and Lacrimal Surgery, she is also the author of the books “Ophthalmology at a Glance and “Colour Alias of Lacrimal Surgery’’.

Chalazion in Children of all ages and in all Adults

Miss Jane Olver 2

Miss Jane Olver

Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon
Oculoplastic (Eyelid) & Lacrimal Specialist
Medical Director

Ms Naomi Tan

Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon
Paediatric Ophthalmology, Paediatric Strabismus, and Adult Cataract Specialist

Mr Julian Robins 5

Mr Julian Robins

Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon
Cataract, Vitreoretinal (VR) and Medical Retina Specialist

Ms Evgenia Anikina 1

Ms Evgenia Anikina

Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon
Cataract, Surgical Vitreoretinal (VR) and Medical Retina Specialist

Ms Stacey Strong 3

Ms Stacey Strong

Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon
Cataract & Medical Retina Specialist

Chalazion in all Adults

Mr Sajjad Ahmad

Mr Sajjad Ahmad

Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon
Cornea & External Eye Diseases, Cataract, Keratoconus & Refractive Surgery Specialist

Ms Laura Crawley

Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon
Cataract & Glaucoma Specialist

Ms Stacey Strong 3

Ms Stacey Strong

Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon
Cataract & Medical Retina Specialist

Professor Michel Michaelides

Professor Michel Michaelides

Professor of Ophthalmology
Medical Retina & Inherited Retinal Disease Specialist

Our clinic operates as a private surgery and is not affiliated with the NHS (National Health Service)

Pricing

How much does Chalazion removal cost?


TreatmentPrice range
Chalazion removalfrom £550
Consultation FeesNot Included

Initial consultation fees are not included.

CATARACT FAQS

Since chalazion is not primarily an infection, therefore it cannot be spread from person to person.

Chalazion is primarily caused by a blockage in the oil glands of the eyelid, called the meibomian glands. This blockage occurs due to inflammation, bacterial infection, or the thickening of oil secretions. The blocked oil is irritant and causes an immune reaction in the eyelid, resulting in the typical chalazion bump. It is a non-infectious condition that develops internally and does not involve any external infective agents that can be transmitted to others. Therefore, you do not need to worry about chalazion being contagious.

A chalazion duration can vary depending on various factors such as the size of the chalazion, the individual’s immune response, and the effectiveness of any treatments used.

In some cases, a chalazion may resolve on its own within a few days, while others may persist for several months, even years. If a chalazion lasts longer than a few weeks or causes persistent discomfort or vision problems, it is recommended to consult with an eye specialist for further evaluation and treatment.

A chalazion is not cancerous. Unlike cancerous growths, a chalazion is not caused by abnormal cell growth or the spread of malignant cells.  In the assessment, Consultant eye specialist looks for any atypical features which may suggest that it is not chalazion, as rarely a cancerous swelling mimic a chalazion.

Chalazion does not typically pop on its own, and you should not try to pop it either.

If an acute red inflamed swollen chalazion forms a painful eyelid abscess, it can spontaneously leak; this needs medical treatment or urgent drainage by the eye surgeon to relieve the infection and pain. You should not attempt to pop it.

Chalazion may resolve on its own without any intervention. If that is not the case and chalazion persists, consult the Consultant eye specialist.

Chalazion can sometimes recur due to various reasons, including:

  1. Incomplete drainage: If the initial chalazion was not completely drained or removed, or the oil is particularly sticky afterwards, residual oil and debris can remain, block again and lead to recurrence of the chalazion bump.
  2. Infection: In some cases, the chalazion drainage site can become infected, leading to the formation of a new chalazion. The eye surgeon prescribes post-operative antibiotic ointment or drops to reduce the risk of infection.
  3. Eyelid inflammation: Conditions like blepharitis, which causes inflammation of the eyelids, can increase the likelihood of chalazion recurrence.
  4. Meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD): Dysfunction in the meibomian glands, which are responsible for producing the oil that lubricates the eyelids, can contribute to the recurrence of chalazion.
  5. Poor eyelid hygiene: Inadequate eyelid hygiene, such as not properly cleaning the eyelids, can contribute to the development of chalazion and increase the risk of recurrence.
  6. Triggers: Stress, excessive computer use, dry or air-conditioned environment, dust, pollution, allergy, hormones, contact lens wear, eye surgery, may all contribute to a blocked oil gland and the formation of chalazion.

If chalazion continues to recur or if you have concerns about recurring chalazion, consult with your eye specialist for further evaluation and management.

If a chalazion is left untreated or not ever surgically removed, it may persist for an extended period and potentially cause discomfort or affect vision, and remain visible. The lump may continue to grow in size and the swelling can become more noticeable. In some cases, it may also cause blurry or obstructed vision if it affects the position of the eyelid or puts pressure on the eye.

It is generally recommended to have a chalazion evaluated and treated by the Consultant eye specialist to alleviate symptoms, improve eye health, and prevent potential complications.

Award Winning Clinic in London

Clinica London is a leading ophthalmology and dermatology medical clinic. It has a sense of passion for helping patients. The clinic’s consultants are highly skilled professionals who have received British, European, and international awards in their respective fields. Clinica is honest and offers transparent treatment advice in a relaxed and comfortable environment.

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