Very low urgency
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It is a cyst of the sebaceous glands of the eyelid that lubricate the eye. It is more common in the upper eyelid.
When the outflow duct becomes blocked, the oils produced accumulate and the lump/cyst appears.
When pressure builds up inside the cyst and it ruptures, it causes redness, swelling and pain of the eyelid.
It usually heals on its own, although it can take months. Warm compresses are recommended to loosen the blockage. Sometimes anti-inflammatory corticosteroids or surgical removal are suggested.
It is not an emergency, but it is recommended to consult an ophthalmologist.
- Chandak Ghosh. Tanya Ghosh. Eyelid lesions. UpToDate. Sep 24, 2015.
- Ben Simon GJ, Huang L, Nakra T, et al. Intralesional triamcinolone acetonide injection for primary and recurrent chalazia: is it really effective? Ophthalmology 2005; 112:913.
Dr. Sara Vitoria
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