Eye conditions
What is a chalazion?
Noticed a small lump on your eyelid that won’t go away? It’s likely a chalazion, one of the most common eyelid conditions we see across our practices.
A chalazion (pronounced kuh-LAY-zee-on), also called a meibomian cyst, is a small, usually painless lump that forms when one of the meibomian glands in your eyelid becomes blocked. These tiny glands sit along the edge of your eyelids and release an oil called meibum, which is a key part of your tear film and stops your eyes drying out. When a gland opening gets blocked, the oil backs up, the gland swells and a firm lump develops.
Chalazia (the plural) can appear on the upper or lower eyelid, but are more common on the upper lid, which has more meibomian glands. A chalazion is harmless and doesn’t usually affect your sight or eye health, but it can last for weeks or months without treatment. Importantly, it isn’t an infection, which is one of the key differences from a stye.
Know the signs
Symptoms, causes and risk factors
Symptoms
- A firm, round lump on the upper or lower eyelid, usually away from the lash line
- Little or no pain once it has formed (it may be tender or red for the first day or two)
- Slight swelling of the eyelid around the lump
- Heaviness or mild irritation, especially with a larger chalazion
- Slightly blurred vision if a large chalazion presses on the eye (always get vision changes checked promptly)
Causes
Not every eyelid lump is a chalazion, but when it is, the cause is almost always a blocked meibomian gland. These make a blockage more likely (see blepharitis and dry eyes):
- Blepharitis: the most common factor, as it makes the oil thicker and more likely to clog the glands
- Thickened oil: some people naturally produce thicker oil, which is closely linked to dry eye
- A previous stye: a stye can leave a blocked gland behind once it heals
Risk factors
Some things make chalazia more likely. They aren’t contagious, but if you keep getting them, it’s worth having your eyelids checked, as there’s often a manageable cause.
- Skin conditions: such as rosacea and seborrhoeic dermatitis
- Hormonal changes: these can affect the oil your glands produce
- Eyelid hygiene: not removing eye make-up thoroughly or cleaning your eyelids regularly
- Contact lenses: wearing them without good hygiene
Know the difference
Chalazion or stye?
Both cause a lump on the eyelid, so it’s easy to mix them up. A stye can even turn into a chalazion if the gland stays blocked after the infection clears. Here’s how to tell them apart, and if you’re not sure, it’s worth having an optometrist check rather than guessing, as the right home treatment differs slightly.
If you keep getting them
Preventing future chalazia
If you’re prone to chalazia, a few habits can help stop them coming back:
- Warm compresses and massage: make them part of your morning routine.
- Daily eyelid hygiene: clean your eyelids, especially if you have blepharitis, with a lid-cleansing solution or wipes (see our products).
- Remove eye make-up thoroughly every night, and replace old make-up.
- Manage underlying conditions such as rosacea or seborrhoeic dermatitis with your GP or dermatologist.
If chalazia keep coming back because of blepharitis, BlephEx deep cleans the eyelid edges and can reduce the chance of them returning.
What works
Chalazion treatment
The right approach depends on how long you’ve had the chalazion and how it’s changing. For a chalazion that’s just appeared, home treatment is usually the first and most effective step, and most small ones respond to regular warm compresses within a few weeks.
Home treatment, step by step
Warm compress
Soak a clean flannel or cotton pad in warm (not hot) water, wring it out and hold it on your closed eyelid for 5 to 10 minutes, 3 to 4 times a day. A microwavable eye mask works too.
Gentle massage
Afterwards, use a clean fingertip to massage the lump towards the lashes for a minute or two: downwards on the upper eyelid, upwards on the lower eyelid.
Clean your eyelids
Clean the eyelid edges every day with a lid-cleansing solution or wipes, especially if you have blepharitis.
Skip make-up and lenses
Avoid eye make-up and contact lenses until the chalazion has gone, to stop further irritation.
Don't squeeze it
Never try to squeeze or pop a chalazion. It can make the inflammation worse, lead to infection or cause scarring.
Professional treatment
If a chalazion hasn’t improved after 2 to 4 weeks of home care, or it’s large, uncomfortable or affecting your vision, our optometrists can assess it and, if needed, refer you to the right specialist for:
- A steroid injection to reduce inflammation and shrink the lump without surgery.
- Minor surgical drainage under local anaesthetic, through a small cut on the inside of the eyelid so there’s no visible scar. You may wear an eye pad for a short time, and mild bruising usually settles within a week or two.
- Antibiotics if there are signs of infection.
- A biopsy in rare cases, if chalazia keep coming back in the same spot, to rule out other causes.
If your chalazia are linked to blepharitis, BlephEx can deep clean the eyelid edges and reduce the chance of them returning.
Easing a swollen eyelid
Alongside treatment, these can ease discomfort while it heals:
- A cold compress for the first 24 to 48 hours if there’s swelling or tenderness, then switch to warm compresses.
- Pain relief such as paracetamol or ibuprofen if needed (check with a pharmacist if you’re unsure).
- Sterile saline wipes to keep the area clean, rather than tap water.
- Sleeping with your head slightly raised to reduce swelling overnight.
- Not rubbing your eye, which can make irritation worse and spread bacteria.
These don’t replace a check-up if the lump lasts, grows or affects your vision.
Get it checked
When to see an optometrist
Most chalazia are harmless and clear up with home care. Book an appointment if:
- The lump hasn't improved after 2 to 4 weeks of regular warm compresses, or it's getting worse
- It's growing or becoming more uncomfortable
- You keep getting chalazia, especially in the same spot
- You're not sure whether it's a chalazion, a stye or something else
Get in touch quickly if:
- The whole eyelid becomes red, hot or very swollen, which can mean a spreading infection
- Your vision is affected in any way
- You notice signs of infection, such as pus or a fever
Everyday care
Products for eyelid hygiene
Cleaning your eyelids every day helps stop the oil glands blocking, especially if you have blepharitis. We recommend two products. Both are made by Europe’s leading independent ophthalmology company, need no rinsing or preparation, and are free from preservatives, perfumes and phosphates.
Blephasol®
A gentle micelle solution for daily eyelid hygiene. It cleans the eyelid edges and helps regulate oil production.
It comes in a 100ml bottle and is easy to use morning and night.
Blephaclean®
Sterile, ready-to-use pads soaked in a micelle solution that cleans and soothes the eyelids. Use them twice a day, morning and night.
- 20 individually wrapped sterile pads
- Helps regulate oil (sebum) production
- Suitable for contact lens wearers
FAQs
Frequently asked questions about chalazia
What is a chalazion?
A chalazion (pronounced kuh-LAY-zee-on) is a small, firm, usually painless lump on the eyelid. It forms when one of the oil glands in the eyelid becomes blocked and the oil builds up. It’s common, usually harmless and often straightforward to treat.
Is a chalazion the same as a cyst?
Yes. A chalazion is a type of cyst, sometimes called a meibomian cyst, caused by a blocked oil gland rather than an infection.
What's the difference between a chalazion and a stye?
A chalazion is a blocked oil gland, not an infection. It’s usually painless once formed, develops slowly and sits deeper in the eyelid. A stye is a bacterial infection of an eyelash follicle or gland, which is usually painful, comes on quickly and sits on the edge of the eyelid. A stye can sometimes turn into a chalazion. If you’re not sure which you have, get it checked by an optometrist.
Can a chalazion go away on its own?
Many small chalazia clear up on their own or with warm compresses over a few weeks. Larger or long-standing ones are less likely to go without treatment.
Is a chalazion contagious?
No. A chalazion is a blockage, not an infection, so you can’t catch it or pass it on.
How do you treat a chalazion at home?
Hold a warm compress on your closed eyelid for 5 to 10 minutes, 3 to 4 times a day, then gently massage the lump towards the lashes. Clean your eyelids daily, and avoid eye make-up and contact lenses until it has gone.
Should I squeeze or pop a chalazion?
No. Never try to squeeze or pop a chalazion, as this can make the inflammation worse, lead to infection or cause scarring.
Can I wear make-up with a chalazion?
It’s best to avoid eye make-up until the chalazion has gone, as make-up can block the gland further or bring in bacteria.
Will a chalazion leave a scar?
Chalazia treated at home rarely scar. If surgical drainage is needed, any mark is usually minimal, because the cut is normally made on the inside of the eyelid.
Can children get chalazia?
Yes, chalazia can happen at any age. Warm compresses are usually the first step for children too, with a check-up if it doesn’t go away.
When should I see an optometrist about a chalazion?
Book an appointment if it hasn’t improved after 2 to 4 weeks of home treatment, it’s getting bigger or more uncomfortable, it affects your vision, you keep getting them, or you’re not sure what it is. Get in touch quickly if the whole eyelid becomes red, hot or very swollen.
Medically reviewed by Amar-Kaash Gandecha, BSc(Hons) MCOptom DipTp(IP), Prof Cert Glauc, Director and Optometrist. Last reviewed 14 August 2026.
Worried about a lump on your eyelid?
If your eyelid lump isn’t improving or you’re concerned, book an appointment at our Newark, Anstey, Birstall or Sileby practice and we’ll take a look.