Chalazion (plural for chalazion) result from healed internal styes that no longer are infectious. These cyst-like nodules form around an oil gland (Meibomian) within the eyelid, resulting in red, swollen eyelids.
The contents of a chalazion include pus and blocked fatty secretions (lipids) that normally help lubricate the eye but can no longer drain out.
Many chalazion drain, resolving on their own, especially if you facilitate the process with periodic warm compresses and gentle massage of the eyelid.
However, some chalazion persist for more than several weeks and grow large enough to become cosmetically unappealing.
A larger chalazion may press on the cornea, temporarily creating irregularity on the eye surface and inducing astigmatism. This can cause blurry vision.
If you are prone to developing chalazion, your doctor can prescribe preventative regimens, such as cleaning your eyelids, applying medicine on your eyelid and even using oral medication for underlying conditions.
The most commonly prescribed oral medicine for blepharitis and meibomian gland dysfunction is doxycycline (antibiotic). Sometimes tetracycline and minocycline, both of which are in the same drug family of antibiotics, are prescribed. However, doxycycline tends to be better tolerated.
Topical and oral antibiotics usually are ineffective as direct treatments for chalazion, which have no active infectious component that would require this kind of approach.
If you develop a chalazion, your eye doctor may have you regularly apply a warm, moist compress on the outside of your closed eyelid to promote drainage from the eye's blocked oil gland.
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