Do you know that feeling when something just feels off with your eye? Maybe there’s a small lump on your eyelid that doesn’t hurt much but refuses to go away. That might be a chalazion—and trust me, you are not the only one who has had one sneak up on them.
At EyeCare About Vegas, we have helped plenty of folks in Las Vegas understand what is going on and feel confident in how to handle it, whether that means home care or coming in for an eye exam and professional treatment.
What Is a Chalazion?
A chalazion is a small bump that shows up on the upper or lower eyelid when one of the oil glands gets blocked. Unlike a stye, which can be painful and red, a chalazion tends to be more of a slow-growing, painless lump. Over time, it can cause some swelling and tenderness, especially if it gets bigger. While it is not usually serious, it can become uncomfortable or affect your vision if it gets too large.
Common symptoms of a chalazion include:
- A painless lump or swelling on the eyelid
- Mild tenderness or irritation (especially if it gets inflamed)
- Redness or swelling in the surrounding eyelid area
- Blurry vision if the lump presses against the eye
- Sensitivity to light
- Watery eyes
- A heavy or droopy feeling in the affected eyelid
Common Causes of Chalazions
Chalazions can pop up for a few different reasons. Here are some of the most common causes:
- Blocked oil (meibomian) glands in the eyelid
- Poor eyelid hygiene or touching your eyes frequently
- Skin conditions like rosacea or seborrheic dermatitis
- Chronic inflammation of the eyelids (blepharitis)
- Wearing old or contaminated eye makeup
- Not fully removing eye makeup before bed
Chalazion Treatment Options in Las Vegas
Whether it is a small irritation or something more stubborn, the right approach can bring relief and prevent it from getting in the way of your vision or comfort. Here is a quick walk-through of what you can try at home, when it is time to give us a call, and what to expect if further treatment is needed:
Home Remedies That Might Help
If the chalazion is small and not bothering you much, there are a few things you can try at home:
- Warm compresses: Hold a warm, damp cloth on your eyelid for 10–15 minutes a few times a day. This helps loosen the oils in the blocked gland.
- Gentle massage: After compressing, gently massage the eyelid to encourage drainage.
- Keep it clean: Avoid eye makeup, don’t touch your eyes, and gently wash the area with a mild cleanser.
- Avoid squeezing it: As tempting as it might be, never try to pop, or drain it yourself.
When to Consider Medical Treatment
If the chalazion doesn’t go away after a few weeks or it is starting to affect your vision, it is time to come see us. At EyeCare About Vegas, we will closely check to confirm it is a chalazion and not something else. We will also discuss the next steps. We may prescribe eye drops, ointments, or recommend a minor in-office procedure to help it along.
Surgery as a Last Resort
For persistent chalazions that don’t respond to other treatments, minor surgery might be necessary. This is a quick outpatient procedure where the bump is carefully drained. It is usually done with local anesthesia and does not take long. We only recommend this when other treatments have not worked.
Get Relief from Chalazions in Las Vegas
Dealing with a chalazion can be frustrating, especially if it lingers or comes back again. If you are unsure what you are dealing with or have tried the warm compress route with no luck, we are here to help.
At EyeCare About Vegas, we provide caring and skilled help right here in Las Vegas. We will work with you to find the best and most comfortable solution. Book your appointment to get back to clearer, more comfortable vision.