Chazalion Cysts


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Also known as a meibomian cyst, the chazalion cyst develops when the meibomiam gland (found just below your eyelashes) is blocked, and causes inflammation as the fluid in the gland cannot drain properly. Chazalion only tend to be very tiny. They also tend to develop on the upper eyelid, but not exclusively. However, if it grows to a formidable size, it can cause discomfort and it can restrict your vision if it touches your eye. You can detect whether you have a chazalion cyst for yourself: symptoms include sore or tender eyelids, an increased sensitivity to light, or a heavy feeling of the eye. At first, the area will seem very swollen, but this will eventually turn into only a minor lump. A chazalion can affect you at any age, but appear more commonly among adults.  Make sure you arrange an appointment with your GP if you think you have a chazalion cyst.

Dangers of Chazalion cysts

The most hazardous danger a chazalion could present to you, should you develop one, is that it can put pressure on your cornea, which can affect the shape of your cornea, and can even potentially cause an astigmatism (meaning the cornea becomes oval-shaped, rather than spherical) An astigmatism can cause your vision to decline; to become impaired and blurred.

Treatments

Treatments prescribed for a chalazion include antibiotics; designed to lessen the inflammation and prevent further infection. A hot compress (a towel soaked in reasonably hot, but not boiling, water) can also be applied manually to place over your eyelid. This helps to release the fluids clogged up inside the cyst to get rid of the blockage. This can be followed by a gentle finger massage of the eyelid.


Alternatively, you could try a steroid injection to the cyst area. You will be placed under local anaesthetic; your doctor will then inject the steroid directly into the chazalion. Within a couple of weeks, the size and the prominence of your cyst should diminish.

Surgical options

However, on occasional instances, surgical removal may be necessary. This is nearly always done under local anaesthetic. The lump is therefore removed from the eyelid through incision and cutterage.  The process is normally very simple and easy, and does not require the need for stitches, nor does it leave any unwanted scarring. Essentially, your doctor will flip your eyelid inside out and place it in a clamp. Then a small cut to the inside of the eyelid will be made to get rid of the blockage. Your doctor may provide you with antibiotic cream or ointment to help return the area to normal.  If the chazalion recurs in spite of any treatment, it could be indicative of a skin disorder. Although it is unlikely, your lump could be cancerous, so even though treatment may seem daunting, it is essential to rectify the problem.


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