PATIENT EDUCATION
Chalazion: Eyelid Bumps, Home Care & Treatment
A chalazion is a blocked eyelid oil gland. Many improve with consistent warm compresses, while persistent or recurrent bumps may need office treatment.
Seek prompt care for spreading inflammation
Call for rapidly increasing redness or swelling, severe pain, fever, difficulty opening the eye, pain with eye movement, bulging of the eye, or vision changes. These symptoms are not typical of an uncomplicated chalazion.
CHALAZION OR STYE?
The difference helps guide treatment
Chalazion
A blocked meibomian oil gland that causes a firm eyelid lump. It is often minimally tender after the first few days and is not usually an infection.
Stye (hordeolum)
An acutely inflamed or infected eyelid gland or lash follicle. It is usually red, tender, and closer to the eyelid margin.
They can overlap
A painful stye can evolve into a less tender chalazion after the acute inflammation improves. Blepharitis and gland dysfunction increase the chance of recurrence.
HOME CARE
Warmth and gentle massage are the first steps
1. Apply warm compresses
Hold a clean, comfortably warm compress on the closed eyelid for about 10–15 minutes. Rewarm it as needed.
2. Massage the lid
After warming, gently massage toward the eyelid margin to encourage the blocked material to drain.
3. Repeat consistently
Perform the routine several times daily while the bump is active, or follow the schedule recommended by your clinician.
Do not squeeze, puncture, or attempt to drain the bump yourself. Avoid very hot compresses and chemicals. Consider pausing eye makeup and contact lenses until irritation settles.
WHEN HOME CARE IS NOT ENOUGH
Office treatment may help a persistent chalazion
Examination
Your clinician confirms that the bump is consistent with a chalazion and checks for blepharitis, gland dysfunction, infection, or another eyelid lesion.
Steroid injection
A small amount of corticosteroid may be injected into selected chalazia to reduce inflammation. Risks and suitability vary by location and skin type.
Incision and drainage
A persistent or large chalazion can be opened and drained, usually from the inner eyelid surface after local numbing.
Biopsy when indicated
A recurrent bump in the same location, lash loss, unusual appearance, or failure to respond may require tissue sampling to rule out another eyelid condition.
PREVENTING RECURRENCE
Treat the eyelid condition behind the blockage
Recurrent chalazia are often associated with blepharitis, meibomian gland dysfunction, rosacea, or thick eyelid oils. A maintenance routine may include warm compresses, gentle lid cleansing, dry-eye treatment, and prescription therapy when appropriate.
COMMON QUESTIONS
Chalazion FAQ
Do I need antibiotics?
Antibiotics generally do not open a blocked gland. They may be prescribed when a bacterial infection or surrounding cellulitis is suspected.
How quickly will it go away?
Improvement can take days to weeks. Larger or longstanding chalazia may take longer or require a procedure.
Can it affect vision?
A large chalazion can press on the cornea and temporarily blur vision. Any persistent or significant visual change should be evaluated.
PATIENT EDUCATION VIDEO
Learn more about chalazia
This video provides general education and does not replace an eye examination or individualized medical advice.
THE EYE CENTERS
Is an eyelid bump not improving?
We can determine whether it is a chalazion, stye, infection, or another eyelid condition and discuss the next step.