Chalazia

A chalazion or tarsal cyst is a lump within the eyelid caused by a blockage in the eyelid glands. It is not a cancer. A chalazion forms when the oil-producing glands in the eyelid, called the meibomian glands, become blocked with oil and enlarge due to lack of drainage.

Chalazia tend to develop further from the edge of the eyelid and are usually larger than styes. A chalazion usually isn't painful but pain can occur if it enlarges quickly or if it becomes infected. Swelling of the eyelid can be rapid and dramatic.

Most chalazia resolve spontaneously but those which persist often require drainage of the contents. This procedure can be performed in the rooms, however in some cases the gland is drained in hospital as a day case under local anaesthetic and intravenous sedation ("twilight" anaesthetic, not a general anaesthetic).