Blepharitis & Chalazions
What causes Blepharitis & Chalazions?
Blepharitis is often caused by oil gland dysfunction, but the overall cause is unknown. Chalazions are though to occur when a Meibomian gland gets blocked. The specific reason this occurs is unknown. Blepharitis can be seen in all age groups, but is more common in those over 40 years old. Chalazions can occur in all ages including children.
What are the symptoms of Blepharitis & Chalazions?
Your eyelids may be red and sore. Lumps may form on the skin or conjunctival surface of the eyelid. These lumps may be crusty. Rarely you may develop a skin infection adjacent to the lumps.
What is the treatment available for Blepharitis & Chalazions?
Treatment is 2 pronged and is both surgical and non-surgical. In some cases the chalazion and/or blepharitis may settle with non-surgical treatment. Should the chalazion not settle, a small surgical procedure may be required.
Non-surgical
Eyelid cleaning is an integral aspect ofimproving blepharitis and modifying one of the factors which can cauxse chalazions to form. A sheet detailing how this is performed will be provided at your consultation/
Medical treatment
Dr Stewart may prescribe topical anti-inflammatory treatment together with oral doxycycline to try and settle and possible resolve both the blepharitis and/or chalazion
In certain situations a steroid may be injected and laser treatment to the meibomian glands may be indicated
Surgical
Some chalazions do not respond to non-surgical treatment and require a small incision and curettage procedure to resolve them. This procedure may be able to be performed at your initial appointment depending on how inflamed your chalazion is. All material curetted is sent for histological analysis. A dressing is applied and patients are often able to drive home following the appointment.
What is the recovery?
Recovery from the incision and curettage procedure is usually swift and the lump should begin to settle in the days following the procedure. In some cases the lump will take longer to settle.
What are the risks?
The significant risks relevant to you will be discussed in detail at your consultation. The chalazion may recur and may need an extended course of treatment to settle it completely.
