Chalazion (Eyelid Cyst): What Does That Firm Bump on Your Eyelid Mean?
If you’ve noticed a slow-developing, typically painless but visually bothersome lump on your eyelid, it’s likely a chalazion—also known as an eyelid cyst. Though common, chalazia are often mistaken for styes. Unlike styes, a chalazion is not an infection but rather a benign mass caused by a blocked oil gland in the eyelid.
The eyelids contain oil-producing glands called meibomian glands, which help maintain eye moisture by producing the oily layer of the tear film. When one of these glands becomes blocked, oil accumulates under the skin and forms a firm, round, movable cyst—this is what we call a chalazion. While typically painless, it can grow and cause cosmetic discomfort or, in some cases, interfere with your field of vision.
Initial treatment for chalazion includes warm compresses and antibiotic drops or ointments. In many cases, this conservative approach can help reduce the cyst or eliminate it altogether. However, if the condition is persistent or recurrent, a minor surgical procedure may be required to drain the contents. This intervention is simple, quick, and usually leaves no scar.
I, Op. Dr. Yıldız Acar Ebcim, assess every chalazion case thoroughly from both an aesthetic and medical perspective, aiming to provide a lasting solution that improves both comfort and appearance. In recurring cases, I also investigate underlying conditions such as blepharitis to offer a more comprehensive treatment plan.
If a lump on your eyelid is bothering you, isn’t going away, or keeps coming back, it could be a chalazion. For an accurate diagnosis and effective treatment plan, feel free to contact us. Your eye health defines the power of your expression.
Op. Dr. Yıldız Acar Ebcim
