Chalazions and styes are both gland inflammation due to blockage which cause an inflamed cyst to form within the eyelid. The location and type of cyst that forms depends on which glands are blocked. An inflamed Meibomian gland will form a Chalazion. This type of cyst is commonly located on the upper eyelid, and will usually point inside the lid toward the eye rather than on its outer edge. During the beginning stages of development, the eyelid will feel tender, swollen, warm, and appear red. As the chalazion worsens, the eyelid will form a firm, tumor-like nodule. Chalazions can grow much larger and are more likely to interfere with vision than styes. If severe, a chalazion can be drained and removed.
An inflamed sebaceous gland or apocrine sweat glands of Moll will form a stye at the base of the eyelashes or the rim of the eyelid. This type of cyst will form on the outside of the eyelid and may appear as a small red bump with surrounding redness or swelling. Although tender, the stye will usually resolve itself with at-home warm compresses. The oils which block the glands from draining should soften with the use of warm compresses and eventually allow the cyst to heal on its own, but if the stye persists, other viable treatment options are available at Miami Eye Center, including drainage, antibiotics, and surgery if necessary.
If less invasive treatment options, such as warm compresses, ointments, and medication remain ineffective, excision or drainage can be beneficial. Although it may appear as if the stye or chalazion is lanced during surgery, patients should never attempt to lance their own cysts at home. Excision should only be performed by a trained ophthalmologist at a surgical facility. Dr. Joseph Selem offers chalazion and stye excision at Miami Eye Center, providing patients with a safe and effective means of treatment.
In most cases, the chalazion or stye can be removed from the inside, avoiding any visible scaring. Local anesthetic is used during the procedure to ensure the patient’s comfort, and the entire treatment can be performed in a simple, fifteen to thirty minute procedure. During the procedure, the method of excision depends on the chalazion’s texture. Fluid texture will simply drain through tiny incisions while solid matter will be scooped out through a larger incision. Once removed, a suspicious chalazion may be biopsied, but cancerous styes and chalazions are rare.
| Excision and Drainage Treatment at a Glance |
| 15 to 30 minute out-patient procedure |
| Utilizes local anesthetic |
| Avoids visible scars |
| Cyst will be drained or scraped out depending on its texture |
| Suspicious cysts will be biopsied |
At Miami Eye Center, Dr. Joseph Selem will meet with you during your private consultation to assess your individual situation. Dr. Selem can help you decide if excision or drainage is the best treatment option for your chalazion in Miami. See the beauty in yourself and the world around you in crisp, clear detail today! Request an appointment online or call Dr. Joseph Selem and the staff at Miami Eye Center at 305-444-0221 to schedule your private consultation.
