If you experience symptoms of chalazion you should see your eye doctor. By taking a complete history about your health, your doctor can diagnose if you have this problem. The doctor will also inspect the eyelashes' texture, oil gland margins, and openings. Most chalazions will heal themselves within weeks, requiring minimal medical treatment.
Symptoms
A chalazion is a lump on the eyelid. It can grow slowly, but it can expand and cause pain. Although it does not hurt, it can cause irritation and eyelid inflammation. By looking at the eye and feeling your eyelid, your healthcare provider can diagnose you. These symptoms can continue and you might need to visit a doctor if they persist. Fortunately, there is not much to worry about with chalazion.
Although chalazion does not transmit disease, it is important to practice good hygiene to minimize your risk. After handling your eyes you should wash your hands thoroughly. Additionally, ensure your contacts and glasses remain clean. Follow your doctor's instructions when wearing contact lenses. Chalazion can also be caused by other conditions such as stye. However, it is not contagious. If you are still experiencing symptoms, your doctor will be able to prescribe anti-bacterial medication.
Diagnosis
Through a physical exam, a doctor can diagnose chalazion. The doctor will examine the eyes and check the skin. A bump that is large and painful may indicate infection or inflammation. The eye specialist may also perform a blood test to rule out underlying illnesses. There may be blurred vision. If the condition persists or becomes chronic, a physician might refer the patient for treatment.
Diagnosis of chalazion can be made clinically. It is usually diagnosed by taking a detailed history and performing a thorough examination. Most cases will not require further investigation. A biopsy may be necessary in rare cases. Most cases of chalazion are benign and can be treated with no further tests. However, if it recurs, it should be evaluated for underlying malignancy.
Treatment
The treatment for chalazion depends on the severity of the condition. Some people may experience pain, irritation, and swollen eyelids. Chalazion should resolve itself in a matter days. For severe cases, antibiotic eye drops may be prescribed or surgery may be necessary to remove the affected area. Steroid injections may also be used, but they can cause permanent skin lightening.
Although chalazion does not spread to other people, you should refrain from touching your eyelids until it has cleared. A specialist in eye care may recommend steroid injections to reduce swelling if it continues. Patients may also be asked to wash their hands after removing contact lenses and touching their eyes. Contact lenses should be cleaned with a disinfectant and disposed of on a schedule.
Recurrences
A chalazion (or benign bump) is a condition that occurs on the eyelid. It is often painless, but can be quite uncomfortable. Patients may only seek medical attention if it continues to get worse. Recurrences are quite common, especially for those with a genetic predisposition to develop the condition. What can you do if these symptoms persist? Read on for more information on how to treat this condition.
Most cases can be treated. Although some chalazion recur, most do not. There are several causes for recurrences. These reasons could be due to underlying conditions. If you suspect there may be an underlying issue, a biopsy can be a good option. It can also rule out more serious conditions. However, it may be a risk factor in recurrent chalazion.