Stubborn Chalazion? Why Your Eyelid Is Swelling & Medical Next Steps

A chalazion is one of the most common causes of a swollen eyelid. While it's usually harmless, a stubborn chalazion can be frustrating, uncomfortable, and sometimes a sign that something more needs attention.

If you've had a bump on your eyelid that isn't going away, here's what you need to know — clearly and honestly — about what causes a chalazion, why it can linger, and what medical steps may help.

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What Is a Chalazion?

A chalazion is a small lump that forms on the eyelid due to a blocked oil gland (called a meibomian gland). These glands normally produce oil that helps keep your tears from evaporating too quickly.

When the gland becomes blocked:

• Oil builds up
• Inflammation develops
• A firm, painless (or mildly tender) lump appears

Unlike a stye, a chalazion is usually not caused by infection, though infection can sometimes develop secondarily.

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What Does a Chalazion Look and Feel Like?

Common features of a chalazion include:

• A round bump on the upper or lower eyelid
• Swelling that develops gradually
• Mild tenderness early on
• Redness of the eyelid
• Blurred vision (if large enough to press on the eye)
• A feeling of heaviness in the eyelid

Most chalazia are not dangerous. However, they can be persistent.

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Why Is My Chalazion Not Going Away?

Most chalazia improve within a few weeks with home care. But some become stubborn chalazia, lasting months.

Common reasons include:

1. Chronic Gland Blockage

Some people have naturally thicker oil in their eyelids. This is common in:

• People with blepharitis (chronic eyelid inflammation)
• Those with rosacea
• People with oily skin
• Contact lens wearers

If the underlying problem isn't treated, the chalazion may return.

2. Incomplete Drainage

Warm compresses help liquefy trapped oil. But if:

• Compresses aren't warm enough
• They aren't used consistently
• They're not applied long enough

The blockage may persist.

3. Secondary Infection

Occasionally, a chalazion can become infected and turn into a stye or abscess. This typically causes:

• Increased pain
• Spreading redness
• Pus drainage
• Fever (rare, but serious)

If you notice these symptoms, you should speak to a doctor promptly.

4. It May Not Be a Chalazion

Rarely, what appears to be a chalazion could be something else, including:

• A chronic infection
• A cyst
• Skin cancer of the eyelid (rare but important)
• An inflammatory condition

A lump that does not improve after several weeks — or keeps coming back in the same spot — should be examined by an eye doctor.

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When Should You See a Doctor?

You should seek medical care if:

• The chalazion lasts longer than 4–6 weeks
• It continues to grow
• It interferes with vision
• It becomes painful
• Redness spreads across the eyelid
• You develop fever
• It keeps recurring in the same location

While most chalazia are not dangerous, persistent eyelid swelling deserves evaluation.

If you're experiencing eye redness, swelling, or pain and want to understand whether it could be related to a more serious inflammatory condition affecting the inside of your eye, you can use Ubie's free AI-powered Uveitis symptom checker to help determine if further evaluation is needed.

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How Is a Chalazion Treated?

Home Treatment (First-Line Care)

Most doctors recommend starting with conservative measures:

• Warm compresses (10–15 minutes, 3–4 times daily)
• Gentle eyelid massage after compresses
• Lid hygiene (using diluted baby shampoo or eyelid cleansing pads)
• Avoiding makeup until healed
• Avoiding squeezing the bump

Consistency matters. Many people stop too soon.

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Medical Treatment Options

If a chalazion does not improve, your doctor may recommend:

1. Prescription Eye Drops or Ointments

• Antibiotic drops (if infection suspected)
• Steroid drops (to reduce inflammation)

These are usually short-term treatments.

2. Steroid Injection

A small steroid injection directly into the chalazion can:

• Reduce inflammation
• Shrink the lump
• Avoid surgery in some cases

This is commonly done in-office and is generally safe.

3. Minor Surgical Drainage

For large or persistent chalazia, a simple procedure called incision and curettage may be performed.

• Done under local anesthesia
• Small incision inside the eyelid
• Contents drained
• Typically quick recovery

This is usually very effective.

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Can a Chalazion Be Dangerous?

Most chalazia are benign and self-limited. However, there are important exceptions.

Red flags include:

• Persistent or recurrent lump in the same spot
• Loss of eyelashes near the lump
• Ulceration
• Irregular edges
• Vision changes
• Severe pain

In rare cases, eyelid cancers such as sebaceous gland carcinoma can mimic a chalazion. This is uncommon but serious. That's why any long-lasting lesion should be examined by a medical professional.

It's not about creating fear — it's about being responsible with your health.

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Why Do Chalazia Keep Coming Back?

Recurrent chalazion episodes are often linked to:

• Chronic blepharitis
• Rosacea
• Poor eyelid hygiene
• Hormonal changes
• High lipid levels
• Diabetes

If you experience repeated chalazia, your doctor may evaluate you for underlying conditions and recommend long-term eyelid care.

Preventive strategies may include:

• Daily warm compress routine
• Omega-3 supplements (if appropriate)
• Prescription anti-inflammatory treatments
• Regular eyelid cleaning

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What NOT to Do With a Chalazion

Avoid:

• Squeezing or popping it (can worsen inflammation)
• Using unclean compresses
• Applying heavy makeup
• Ignoring worsening symptoms
• Self-treating with leftover antibiotics

Improper treatment can prolong healing or cause complications.

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Could It Be Something More Serious?

While a chalazion is usually localized to the eyelid, symptoms like:

• Deep eye pain
• Light sensitivity
• Significant vision changes
• Severe redness of the white of the eye

Are not typical of a simple chalazion.

If you experience these symptoms, you should speak to a doctor immediately, as they could indicate a more serious inflammatory eye condition. Eye conditions like Uveitis can cause similar symptoms of redness and swelling but require urgent medical attention to prevent vision loss.

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The Bottom Line: What to Do Next

A chalazion is common and usually manageable. But a stubborn chalazion deserves attention.

Here's a clear plan:

• ✅ Start consistent warm compresses
• ✅ Maintain daily eyelid hygiene
• ✅ Monitor for worsening symptoms
• ✅ See a doctor if it lasts more than a month
• ✅ Seek urgent care if you develop severe pain, fever, or vision changes

Do not ignore persistent swelling. Do not panic either.

Most chalazia resolve with proper care. But if yours isn't improving, a simple medical evaluation can provide relief and rule out more serious issues.

If you have any symptoms that could be serious, vision-threatening, or life-threatening, speak to a doctor immediately. Your eyesight is too important to guess about.

Taking action early is not overreacting — it's smart healthcare.