Chalation. What is it and how is it treated?

A chalation or chalazion is a benign pump or lump in the eyelid that does not cause pain and appears when secretions from the Meibomian glands accumulate due to a blockage in the drainage of the glands. In those cases the secretion is retained inside, which makes this nodule appear.

Usually, the chalation is not painful, but if its size grows it can become annoying, and put pressure on the eye, causing astigmatism and blurred vision. When it becomes infected and inflamed, we speak of a stye.

The Meibomian glands are located inside the eyelid and produce an oily secretion that is part of the tear film. When the drainage openings of these glands are obstructed, the secretion does not drain and accumulates, forming a fatty cyst called a chalation.

The chalation is usually common in people suffering from blepharitis, seborrheic or rosaceae dermatitis, and in people with a history of stye.

The common symptoms associated with a chalation are:

• Lump that can cause the swelling of the entire eyelid, even falling of the same by mechanical effect.
• Sense of having something uncomfortable in the eye or pressure on the eyelid.
• Astigmatism and blurred vision when the chalation presses on the eye.
• Photophobia (sensitivity to light)

Sometimes it is not necessary to treat, since the chalation disappears by itself after a few days. In cases where the chalation does not resolve spontaneously, the following treatments may be used:

• The application of local heat to soften the nodule and allow the drainage of the obstructed glands. This can be done with hot water compresses applied for a few minutes on the eyelid.
• Palpebral massage with application of heat.
• Antibiotics and anti-inflammatory creams or eye drops.
• Steroid injections (cortisone) in case of significant swelling that does not go away.
• In cases of chalation refractory to medical treatment could be used an innovative treatment that consists of the application of intense pulsed light (IPL) at the palpebral level.
• Drainage surgery for the extraction of the chalation. This intervention is carried out in the operating room under local anesthesia.

To prevent the development of a chalation, it is important to maintain good palpebral hygiene, especially for people who have a history of blepharitis.

The inner area of the eyelids, the palpebral edge, and the eyelashes should be cleaned with special eye hygiene wipes or soaps, especially if makeup is used on that area.

Likewise, it is also recommended to follow a diet rich in Omega 3 fatty acids due to their anti-inflammatory properties.

Siempre se recomienda consultar al oftalmólogo ante la aparición de cualquier síntoma.

Can a chalation be treated with chamomile or other home remedies?

As part of the initial treatment, hot compresses infused with chamomile can be used to locally massage the affected area.

The use of other home remedies that are not indicated by your ophthalmologist is not recommended.

How to clean the eyes in case of a chalation?

The hygiene of the palpebral edge and the eyelashes should be carried out with wipes or specific soaps for ophthalmic use indicated by your ophthalmologist.

Can I apply makeup if I have a chalation?

It is not recommended. It is suggested to avoid products that are applied to the eyelashes and palpebral edge, such as mascara or eyeliners, since they promote the obstruction of the Meibomian glands.

Is it recommended to burst a chalazion?

No. You must always go to your ophthalmologist to avoid unnecessary manipulations that can favor infections and worsen inflammation.