Chalazion (Stye) Treatment

A chalazion (kuh-LAY-zee-on), sometimes called a stye, is a firm, non-painful nodule (mass) in the eyelid. It is caused by the blocked oil-producing gland in the eyelid – not by a virus or bacteria. It cannot spread to other people. 

A chalazion may:

• Be found in the upper or lower eyelid
• Appear suddenly or grow slowly over time
• Be painful, red and swollen
• Produce a firm, non-painful mass

Usually, you can treat a chalazion by applying direct heat to the area with a warm compress. The heat works by breaking up the oil in the blocked gland and helping it to drain. This can take up to a few months.

• Take a clean washcloth and run it under warm water, then wring it out.
• Wrap the warm damp towel around a warm boiled egg (with shell left on), a hot baked potato (wrapped in foil) or a warmed microwave rice bag. This keeps the compress hot for a longer period.
• Be sure the compress is not too hot by testing it on your inner wrist.

• Hold the warm compress on the eyelid until the compress cools. Then re-warm the compress and place it back on the eyelid.
• Try to keep the warm compress in place for at least 5 minutes and repeat 4 to 10 times a day.
• Each time after you apply the warm compress, lightly massage the chalazion for several minutes. Do not squeeze.

The warm compresses may make the chalazion increase in size and drain.
This is part of the healing process. The chalazion will heal faster the more
often you use the warm compresses.

Use mild baby shampoo to clean the lids and lashes in the morning and at night.

To do this:

• Keep your child’s eyes closed
• Massage the lids with shampoo for about 1 minute
• Rinse with warm water

If using baby shampoo, consider “tear-free” or “no more tears” options.

• Most of the time the chalazion will go away without other treatment. 
• Your child may need surgery if the above treatment does not work. This is usually done with medicine so your child will be fully asleep without pain (general anesthesia). During the surgery, we make a small cut (incision) in the chalazion and drain it.
• After surgery, the chalazion can come back or it can appear in another location.
• We try to avoid surgery because it can sometimes damage glands that are important for a healthy tear film. The tear film keeps the eye moist and protects it from injury and infection.