Chalazion Surgery Sydney
Specialist Chalazion Removal, Steroid Injection and Eyelid Lump Treatment in Sydney
A chalazion is a blocked oil gland in the eyelid that can cause a firm lump, swelling, tenderness, irritation or cosmetic disturbance. Some chalazia improve with warm compresses and time, while others persist for weeks or months and may require specialist treatment.
At Eye and Retina Specialists, we assess and treat chalazion, recurrent eyelid lumps, inflamed eyelid cysts, blepharitis and related eyelid conditions. Depending on the size, duration and appearance of the lesion, treatment may include conservative care, intralesional steroid injection or chalazion surgery.
Our clinic is conveniently located in Waterloo, near Green Square, and welcomes patients from Zetland, Alexandria, Surry Hills, Mascot, the Eastern Suburbs, Inner West and greater Sydney.
Lower eyelid chalazion
What is a Chalazion?
A chalazion occurs when a Meibomian gland in the eyelid becomes blocked. These glands normally produce oil that helps stabilise the tear film and reduce evaporation of tears. When the gland outlet blocks, retained secretions and inflammation can lead to a lump forming in the eyelid.
Chalazia may occur in the upper or lower eyelid and can vary in size from small bumps to larger lesions that become noticeable or uncomfortable.
A chalazion often starts as a small lump that quickly increases in size. The contents of a chalazion include blocked fatty secretions (lipids) that normally help spread the tear film evenly and reduce evaporation.
Cross-Sectional profile of a normal eyelid oil gland compared to a blocked gland
Chalazion vs Stye – What’s the Difference?
Although the terms are often used interchangeably, they are not always the same.
Chalazion
-
Usually caused by blockage and inflammation
-
Often firmer and less acutely painful
-
May persist for weeks or longer
Stye (Hordeolum)
-
Usually an acute infection near an eyelash follicle or gland
-
Often more red, tender and painful
-
May develop suddenly
Sometimes a stye can later evolve into a chalazion.
Common Symptoms of Chalazion
-
Lump in the eyelid
-
Swelling
-
Tenderness or discomfort
-
Redness
-
Heavy eyelid sensation
-
Cosmetic concern
-
Blurred vision from pressure on the eye (larger lesions)
-
Recurrent eyelid bumps
First Line Chalazion Treatment at Home
Many early chalazia improve without surgery. It is helpful to seek the advice of your general practitioner or optometrist.
Warm/Hot Compresses
Apply a warm/hot compress to the closed eyelid for a couple of minutes, at least 2-4 times daily. Test the compress first to ensure it is not too hot before applying to the eyelid.
Gentle Lid Massage
After warming the eyelid, gentle massage may help encourage drainage. Do this in a circular motion, encouraging the blocked Meibomian gland to drain and the chalazion to rupture.
Eyelid Hygiene
If blepharitis or oily lid margins are present, regular eyelid hygiene may reduce recurrence. Regular warm/hot compress
Avoid Squeezing the Lump
Trying to squeeze or puncture the lesion at home may worsen inflammation and contribute to infection.
Treatment of Chalazion
For a new onset chalazion, it is important to regularly use warm compresses and massage the area at least 3 times daily for the first 4 weeks following onset, or until the lump goes away.
A chalazion may become secondarily infected, and this is often associated with increased surrounding redness. If it progresses, it can lead to the more serious condition of preseptal cellulitis. In these cases, antibiotic therapy needs to be promptly commenced.
Urgent specialist review is needed to ensure there is signs of the very serious condition of orbital cellulitis, which needs urgent hospitalisation.
When is Surgical Drainage needed?
Some chalazia may persist for longer than 4-6 weeks. If this occurs, scar tissue fibrous bands often begin to form, and the chalazion is unlikely to resolve without medical intervention. It may fluctuate in size
Intralesional Steroid Injection for Chalazion
In selected cases, an intralesional steroid injection may be considered as an alternative to surgery or alongside other treatment measures.
This involves placing a small amount of anti-inflammatory medication directly into the chalazion to help reduce inflammation and encourage the lump to flatten over time.
Steroid injection may be considered for:
-
Smaller or moderate chalazia
-
Multiple chalazia
-
Lesions where avoiding incision is preferred
-
Patients seeking a non-surgical option
-
Residual inflammation after partial improvement
Not every chalazion is suitable for injection, and some lesions respond better to surgery.
H3: Risks of Steroid Injection
Potential risks may include:
-
Temporary discomfort
-
Skin thinning
-
Skin lightening or depigmentation
-
Raised eye pressure in susceptible patients
-
Incomplete response
-
Recurrence
-
Need for later surgery
Improvement may occur gradually over days to weeks. Some chalazia require more than one treatment.
⸻
H2: Chalazion Surgery / Chalazion Removal
If a chalazion does not settle with conservative treatment, a minor procedure may be recommended.
This may involve:
-
Local anaesthetic to numb the eyelid
-
Small incision (often from the inner eyelid surface)
-
Drainage / curettage of retained material
-
Cleaning of the area
-
Short recovery period
Many patients find the procedure quicker and more straightforward than expected.
⸻
H2: Risks and Considerations of Chalazion Surgery
Chalazion surgery is commonly performed as a minor procedure and is generally well tolerated, but as with any treatment there are potential risks and limitations.
Potential risks may include:
-
Bruising or swelling
-
Temporary discomfort
-
Bleeding
-
Infection
-
Scarring (usually minor)
-
Recurrence
-
Incomplete resolution requiring further treatment
-
Temporary eyelid irregularity while healing
-
Need for histopathology or further assessment if atypical
-
Rarely, damage to surrounding structures
Your ophthalmologist will discuss relevant risks, benefits and alternatives based on your individual situation.
⸻
Our specialists are able to assess your chalazion, and recommend treatment based on the clinical appearance. If indicated, surgical incision and drainage can be performed on the same day in the procedure room in our clinic, using local anaesthetic.
