Chalazion / Meibomian Gland Cysts
A chalazion is a specific type of eyelid cyst caused by a blocked oil gland (called a meibomian gland) in the eyelids (hence it is also called a meibomian gland cyst). These cysts can develop on either the upper or lower eyelids.
Meibomian glands in the eyelid produce oils, which help keep the eyes moist. If a gland becomes blocked, the oil builds up into a cyst and gets inflamed, which can form a lump in the eyelid. The lump can become irritated, red, occasionally infected and on occasion lead to swelling of the whole eyelid. If compress, bathing and other treatments have not resolved the issue, the cyst is large, been present for a while or otherwise problematic it can be surgically removed. this is undertaken as a local anaesthetic in the minor ops outpatient facility and is relatively quick and straightforward.
