Chalazion of the century. What is a chalazion of the upper eyelid and how to treat it

There are several ophthalmic diseases that are not considered dangerous from a medical point of view, but only cause psychological discomfort. Such diseases include inflammation of the sebaceous glands, chalazion or chalazion of the eyelid, which, unlike barley, is not an infection, can appear on the upper or lower eyelid at any age. Find out what this pathology looks like from the photo and how to treat it.

What is a chalazion

In medical language, a benign neoplasm that occurs as a result of chronic inflammation from blockage of the lacrimal ducts or meibomian gland with the ICD code H00.0 is a chalazion. If you look at the photo, you will see that outwardly the swelling on the eyelid resembles a dense capsule, for which it received the name hailstone among patients. This formation is often confused with barley, because at the initial stage the symptoms are very similar.

However, if barley is a painful swelling of the eyelid with a cloudy liquid inside, which retains its size, then the chalazion does not cause discomfort during palpation, but gradually increases over time. Another difference is that with an infection of the sebaceous gland, inflammation of the edges near the eyelashes always occurs, but the hailstone appears closer to the middle of the century - where the meibomian glands are located.

Causes

The main task of the meibomian gland is to produce a fatty secret that prevents the tear fluid from evaporating from the eyeball. If the duct is blocked for some reason, the fatty secret begins to accumulate inside, after which swelling appears on the eyelid. Why this happens is still not known for certain, but it is generally accepted that the following external factors and body conditions increase the risk of chalazion:

previously transferred ophthalmic diseases - conjunctivitis, blepharitis;
skin diseases - seborrhea, rosacea, oily skin;
diabetes;
diseases of the gastrointestinal tract - gastritis, enterocolitis, intestinal dysbacteriosis, worms;
decreased immunity against the background of frequent colds, hypothermia, stress;
lack of vitamin B due to malnutrition;
wearing contact lenses;
neglect of hygiene rules.

Symptoms

The main symptom of the disease is the appearance of a ball dense to the touch under the surface of the skin. A chalazion can occur both on the upper and lower eyelids, and be accompanied by various symptoms of inflammation, depending on the stage of formation:

The first phase is characterized by redness of the skin, the appearance of discomfort on the eye, and discomfort when blinking.
At the ripening stage (second stage), on palpation, you can clearly feel the appearance of a pea, which will increase in size over time.
The third stage is the growth of the formation, the appearance of itching. On palpation of the eyelid, you can see that the lump is not soldered to the skin and easily moves.
In the fourth stage, a grayish skin tone appears around the seal. A chalazion may begin to boil, then the body temperature will rise, and lacrimation will increase.

Kinds

Malfunctions of the meibomian gland can occur anywhere. Depending on the localization of inflammation, two types of pathology are distinguished:

Chalazion of the upper eyelid. It is located closer to the outer edge. For this species, at the stage of pea formation, the appearance of itching, soreness is characteristic, sometimes there may be a feeling of the presence of a foreign body. This type of chalazion is prone to spontaneous resorption of the contents of the capsule in 2-3 days.
Chalazion of the lower eyelid. Looks like barley. Appears on the border with eyelashes. If the localization site is the center of the lower eyelid, the disease may require longer treatment.

What is dangerous chalazion

Although many people face such a problem, ophthalmologists themselves do not consider chalazion a serious disease. Unlike infectious inflammation of the eyelids and eyes, hailstones have almost no effect on vision and rarely lead to complications. Only in advanced cases, the chalazion can grow to a huge size, put pressure on the eyeball, which will lead to astigmatism and visual distortion. It is extremely rare for a formation to develop into a cyst.

Diagnostics

As a rule, an experienced ophthalmologist only needs to examine the patient to make an accurate diagnosis. The doctor prescribes tests only when the chalazion on the eyelid occurs very often or in large numbers. In case of recurrence it is necessary:

do a biopsy and exclude the presence of a tumor in the sebaceous duct or basal cell carcinoma;
take stool tests for the presence of helminthic invasions;
conduct a screening immunogram;
take an analysis for bacterial culture, blood for Helicobacter pylori and other bacteria that can provoke the development of a purulent infection.

Treatment

As with the treatment of many other diseases, when a chalazion appears, doctors choose conservative therapy. At the initial stages, eye drops, ointments, thermal physiotherapy procedures, eyelid massage are prescribed. These methods are designed to make the chalazion itself resolve or burst. At the stage when the rupture occurred, antibacterial agents are additionally used to prevent infection from entering the sebaceous ducts. If conservative treatment fails, resort to surgical removal of hailstones.

Medical treatment

In order for the hailstone to resolve on its own, the doctor will recommend laying an ointment that contains corticosteroids behind the affected eyelid. The most popular means on this basis are: Triamcinolone, Dexamethasone, Hydrocortisone. Antibacterial drops are necessarily added to these methods of therapy - Floksal, Tobrex, Oftakviks. If the disease is accompanied by itching, antihistamines are prescribed. With large sizes of the chalazion, they resort to the introduction of steroid drugs directly into the place where the hailstone appears.

Eye drops

Solutions for instillation are used only as part of complex therapy. It is necessary to drip eyes several times a day, observing approximately equal intervals of time. With chalazion, an ophthalmologist may prescribe drops:

Tobradex, Floksal, Oftaviks - they contain antibacterial components, have a pronounced anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effect. These drops are not used to treat children under 1 year old.
Opatanol - anti-allergic drops. Helps relieve swelling of the eyelid, itching, burning. Opatanol can be prescribed during pregnancy and children from 3 years.
Maxitrol is a combination drug. Contains antibiotics and corticosteroids. It has a bactericidal effect, but due to the large number of contraindications, it is rarely prescribed.

Ointment

For resorption of the chalazion, as well as in the postoperative period, special ointments are often prescribed. Means are laid for the eyelid several times a day. In the treatment of hailstones on the eyelid, they have proven themselves:

Antimicrobial ointment based on ofloxacin - Floksal. The drug does not have a toxic effect on the body, so it can be prescribed even to children.
Mercury ointment has antiseptic properties. Unlike the previous ointment, this drug is toxic, so it is used with caution and only after prescription by a doctor.

The well-known tetracycline ointment helps to quickly eliminate the inflammatory process in the eye area. The remedy is used in courses, the duration of which depends on the severity of the pathology. In especially advanced cases, therapy can reach 1-2 months. Tetracycline ointment can be applied to the outer part of the eyelid or laid in a thin layer in the region of the conjunctival sac. The drug is well tolerated by patients, but sometimes it can provoke allergic reactions.

Injection

When hailstones on the eyelid reach an impressive size, doctors prefer to inject corticosteroid drugs into the cavity of the bag with a needle. Injections help destroy the neoplasm from the inside without the use of other aids. Due to the high risk of damage to the eyeball, such injections are carried out only in a hospital setting. For this, solutions of Betamethasone, Triamcinolone, and also Diprospan or Kenalog are used.

Is it possible to heat a chalazion

At the initial stage of development, the disease can be cured by thermal methods of physiotherapy. To do this, doctors prescribe dry heat compresses or UHF therapy. This approach prevents the development of inflammation, promotes the resorption of seals. The eyelids are warmed up 3 to 4 times a day. A contraindication to the procedure is inflammation of the membrane, since heating provokes the development of an abscess and phlegmon of the eyelid.

Massage

It is prescribed to prevent the appearance of a chalazion or at the stage of its formation. You can carry out procedures at home:

Soak a piece of cloth in warm water.
Apply the cloth to the eyelid for 10-15 minutes.
Massage the eyelid with gentle circular movements of the fingers for 5 minutes.
Carry out the procedure at least 3 times a day.
You can apply ointment or drip your eyes 20-30 minutes after the massage.

Diet

Proper nutrition is the key to good health and a good method of preventing chalazion. From the menu it is worth excluding everything spicy, canned, sour. Doctors recommend limiting the consumption of sweets, pastries, white bread. Instead, add foods rich in vitamin B to your diet:

buckwheat and oatmeal;
black bread;
green pea;
hazelnut;
garlic;
cauliflower;
beans;
mango;
oranges;
lemons;
tomatoes;
eggs;
spinach;
dairy products;
offal and lean meats.

Folk remedies

If the doctor does not mind, therapy can be enhanced with available folk remedies. Used in treatment:

Garlic juice. To do this, clean and cut the clove, squeeze the juice. With liquid, gently lubricate the bulge on the eyelid from the outside. Repeat the procedure 3-4 times a day until the hailstone is completely absorbed.
Aloe vera juice. Cut off the bottom leaf from the house plant. Grind the leaf, squeeze the juice out of it. Lubricate the outside of the seal up to 5 times a day with undiluted fluid.

Removal

If suppuration has gone, the chalazion is removed by radical methods. To date, ophthalmic operations are performed in two ways:

Surgical excision. The operation is performed under local anesthesia. Using a scalpel, the doctor makes a transconjunctival or skin incision, through which a hailstone is removed with a special device along with the capsule. When a fistula is formed, an incision is made along its entire length, the affected tissues are excised, after which a suture is applied. The operation lasts from 30 minutes to 1 hour.
laser removal. In this case, the dissection of soft tissues is done using a laser. After removing the capsule with the contents, the resulting cavity is also treated with laser radiation. The duration of this procedure is 20-45 minutes.

After operation

With the surgical method of removal, stitches and a tight bandage over the eye are necessarily applied to the eyelid. Within 5-7 days after the operation, it is recommended to treat the suture with antiseptic preparations, instill anti-inflammatory drops in the eyes and apply ointment. Until the stitches heal, it is contraindicated to wet the eyes. If the removal was performed using a laser, no sutures are applied. To prevent injury to the cornea, the patient is recommended to wear a soft contact lens for the first 5 days.

Treatment of chalazion in children without surgery

Sealing on the eyelid in a child, as a rule, occurs with farsightedness. Unlike adults, children are less likely to suffer from relapses of this disease, so chalazion is more often treated without surgery. In childhood, the use of compresses or other procedures on the eyelid can accelerate suppuration and contribute to the spread of infection to soft tissues, and the inclusion of immunomodulators in the therapy regimen can provoke the reappearance of hailstones.

During the treatment of chalazion, it is worth considering the age characteristics of the child - narrow tear ducts and a weak tone of the smooth muscles of the eyelid. Massage helps to stop these shortcomings and at the same time get rid of the seal. Additionally, hydrocortisone eye ointment or yellow mercury ointment can be used, which are available only by prescription. Practicing folk recipes on children is unacceptable.

Prevention

To prevent recurrence of the disease, try to avoid severe hypothermia, stressful situations, crowded places during an epidemic of viral diseases. Chalazion will not appear if you follow the rules of personal hygiene, eat right, observe the duration of wearing contact lenses and treat all other diseases in time.

Photo of a chalazion

Video

Barley, blepharitis and this phenomenon are all inflammatory diseases of the eyelids, which quite often affect young children and children of primary school age. You probably know much more about eye barley than about this disease. And this is quite justified, since this disease is much less common. What is this disease? How does this disease manifest itself? What are the causes of its occurrence and how to deal with it? Most likely, all of the above questions are of interest only to those parents whose children have become "hostages" of this disease. However, it should be noted that this is not entirely correct. Every parent should be aware of this disease.

This is an inflammatory disease of the eye, characterized by a small tumor that forms in the thickness of the eyelid. Typically, this disease occurs as a result of blockage of the meibomian gland. Those people who have had this disease know that it requires special treatment. There are many methods of treating this disease. Quite often, they try to get rid of it with the help of folk recipes. We all know that traditional medicine has absorbed all the knowledge regarding diseases, methods and treatments that are passed down among ordinary people from generation to generation. Thanks to centuries of use, traditional medicine has already earned the recognition of a huge number of people.

Treatment of this phenomenon is possible conservative at the beginning of the disease. It consists in the injection of special preparations into the area of the chalazion. But most often, surgical methods are used for treatment. The operation is very short - only a quarter of an hour. Local anesthesia is performed, and after surgery, a tight bandage is made on the operated eye for twelve hours. After the operation, the patient should drip the eye with the prescribed means for several days.

However, more recently, trials of the drug have been conducted in America. kenalog for resorption of the chalazion. Almost one hundred and fifty people took part in the experiment. The number of injections in each was assigned individually. But already after the first injection, in two-thirds of the patients, the chalazion decreased by eighty percent, and in another twenty percent, the size decreased after the second injection.

At the same time, during the experiment, no cases of complications were recorded. If three injections do not give any results, then it is advisable for the patient to undergo surgery.
Since one of the main causes of this phenomenon was diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, carry out prevention with the help of dietary supplements. Corporation On average, its value is 5 - 6 mm, but it is able to grow further, which, by putting pressure on the eyeball, leads to astigmatism.
This disease, as a rule, has a benign chronic course and is formed at any age; often recurs after healing.

The reason for the formation of this disease is the blockage of the excretory duct, due to inflammation of the sebaceous gland of the eyelid, which causes the progression of a characteristic tumor.
A chalazion can also form on indoor barley soil.
In the case when the disease often recurs, mainly in adults, a biopsy is required to prevent cancer of the sebaceous glands.

The reasons for the formation of a chalazion can be very different. This is a decrease in the protective functions of the body, colds - especially hypothermia, violation of the rules of personal hygiene, the use of contact lenses, constant touching of the organs of vision.
It can also be caused by the fact that a person, in principle, has quite oily skin: increased production of this gland. Increased secretion can cause blockage of the lacrimal outflow. This disease is not inherited - it is acquired.

Today we will talk about chalazions that appear on the eyelids, talk about their difference from the classical picture of barley symptoms, tell the site about the causes of their appearance, typical symptoms in humans, diagnosis, and, of course, treatment and prevention of this ophthalmic pathology.

What is a chalazion on the eye?

Century chalazion (chalazion) is a benign tumor that develops as a result of blockage of the meibomian gland and, in severe cases, causes distortion of vision.

Meibomian glands are located along the edge of the eyelid in an amount of 50 to 70 pieces. The function of the gland is to moisturize the cornea and prevent the evaporation of tears by secreting sebaceous secretions.

After blockage of the external opening of the gland, the secret still continues to form, but, not being able to reach the surface, it accumulates and forms a tumor ranging in size from millet to an average pea.

The immune cells of the body perceive the accumulated secretions of the gland as a foreign dangerous body and form a capsule around the accumulation. Over time, the eyelid turns red, swells, irritates the eye.

Spontaneous opening of the abscess is possible and thus causing inflammatory diseases of the eye. In the absence of treatment, iron atrophies and loses its functional ability. The consequence of this process is

Chalazion can occur in anyone, regardless of age. But according to statistics, people from 30 to 50 years old most often suffer from this disease. Statistically, both the chalazion of the lower eyelid and the chalazion of the upper eyelid occur equally.

Chalazion is also called hailstone, meibomite or internal barley. But this disease has significant differences from barley. With barley in the early stages, an abscess is already forming, prone to soreness and active growth. The reason is various infections.

Reasons for the appearance of x alazions

Hygiene failure. This group includes sleeping with unwashed cosmetics from the eyelids and rubbing the eyes with dirty hands. The latter is often seen in children of preschool and primary school age.
Diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. For example, enteritis, gastritis.
Pathology of the endocrine system. Diabetes.
Oncological diseases.
Hypothermia of the body.
Tendency to colds and viral diseases.
Regular psycho-emotional overload, stress.
Chronic fatigue, .
Long , not designed for this .
An overabundance of cosmetics on the eyelids and false eyelashes.
Skin diseases.
Hypovitaminosis, lack of trace elements.
Chronic inflammatory pathologies of the eye. For example, and .
Overactive secretion of the meibomian gland or increased density of secretions.
Diseases of the biliary tract.
Recurrent barley.
Undertreated barley or its incorrect treatment.
Pathology of blood vessels supplying the tissues of the face.

In rare cases, the degeneration of a chalazion into a cancerous tumor is possible, that is, the process of malignancy.

Symptoms x alazion on the lower and upper eyelids

The clinical picture of the disease depends on the degree of development of meibomitis. Often seals are single, occurring only on the upper or only on the lower eyelid. But there are multiple hailstones on both eyelids or located in a horizontal row on one of them.

Stages of development.

Beginning of chalazion formation

A person may not feel symptoms of discomfort. Almost always, compaction detection occurs randomly. The tumor does not exceed a few millimeters in diameter and is located in the thickness of the skin layers of the eyelid. Perhaps the development of pathology with concomitant swelling, swelling, redness. At this stage, chalazion is often confused with barley.

Active growth stage

After about 14-30 days, the hailstone significantly increases in size (up to the volume of a pea), becomes easily visible visually and when probed. This is another difference from barley, which grows rapidly. Localization of the chalazion on the inner side of the eyelid.

Hailstone inflammation stage

It occurs due to the multiplication of pathogenic microorganisms or the breakthrough of the chalazion capsule. Depending on the cause of the inflammation, either treatment or removal of the tumor is performed. The remaining pus, if you do not go to the hospital, tends to provoke the appearance of new seals.

Seal resorption

The stage of inflammation can be avoided if it is treated early in the development of meibomitis. In this case, there is a complete disappearance of the tumor.

Acute chalazion

The course of the disease is divided into acute and chronic.

Acute chalazion.

strong ;
, there is increased lacrimation;
the patient feels a burning sensation and a feeling of discomfort in the eye from the seal;
the hailstone is located on the side of the conjunctiva and has a gray or white center;
at a palpation of a tumor morbidity is noted.

The growing chalazion reaches the phase of suppuration, and the symptoms of the disease are supplemented by new signs.

there is constant itching;
incessant tearing;
the skin around the seal is red, edematous;
increase in body temperature to subfebrile values;
touching the inflamed area causes discomfort and pain;
throbbing pain;
feeling of pressure by the neoplasm on the cornea of the eye;
the formation of a cyst with mucous contents is possible;
the eyelid blinks less often, the eye is slowed down during movements;
the center of the tumor softens, perhaps a spontaneous opening of the hailstone;
after breaking through the skin is hyperemic, dry;
constantly appear crusts from secreted pus.

A fistula may form. Granulations around the fistulous tract grow rapidly, the creamy discharge can infect neighboring healthy meibomian glands. This condition requires immediate medical attention.

Chronic chalazion - signs

This type of flow is characterized by long hailstones that do not break through for a long time.

There are constant relapses and distortion of vision from pressure on the cornea of a growing seal.

a seal measuring 5-7 millimeters, has a red-gray tint, the skin around the tumor is edematous;
the edges of the eyelids are hyperemic and thickened;
constant itching;
fear of light;
chronic conjunctivitis develops;
the patient feels a constant feeling of discomfort, heaviness, the presence of a foreign body in the eye;
eye movements and blinking of the eyelids occur with difficulty and slowing down;
dried or fresh purulent plugs are observed along the edge of the affected eyelid.

Diagnosis of chalazion on the eye

To make a diagnosis, a visual examination of the affected eyelid by an ophthalmologist using a slit lamp is sufficient.

A study is also being carried out on helminths, skin diseases and allergic reactions.

In some cases (when the tumor is actively growing during its development), a histological examination is performed to detect atypical cancer cells.

Chalazion treatment

Conservative treatment possibly in the early stages of chalazion.

Phytotherapy. It is prescribed when the size of the neoplasm is not more than 4 millimeters. This method favorably affects blood circulation and provokes tumor cells to disappear as soon as possible.
In the hospital, UHF, electrophoresis, and laser heating are performed. The duration of the procedure and their number depend only on the condition of the patient and the stage of development of the disease.
At home, you can warm up with a hard-boiled egg. The egg must be cooled to the optimum tolerable temperature, wrapped in cotton cloth and applied to the affected eyelid.
Eyelid massage. It is often carried out for the prevention of the disease or in the very initial stages of development. Movements are carried out from the periphery of the eyelid to its center. Thus, there is a mechanical removal of the accumulated thick lipid secretion. You can use ophthalmic gels along with massage on the recommendation of your doctor.
Anti-inflammatory therapy is carried out at the beginning of the development of hailstones and at the stage of its growth, but not exceeding the size of 4-5 millimeters. The action of therapy is aimed at weakening the activity of the protective cells of the body. This prevents the formation of a capsule around the accumulated secret and its removal. Ointments such as prednisolone and dexamethasone are prescribed. Injections with solutions of dexamethasone and kenalog are carried out only by an ophthalmologist.

Surgical intervention is an indication for the treatment of a chalazion that has reached a size of more than 5 millimeters and when an infectious process is attached. The operation is performed in several ways using local anesthesia - an injection of 2% or 4% lidocaine.

Surgery with an incision in the skin. In its process, the seal is removed along with the capsule, and sutures are applied to the skin. Within a week after the manipulation, it is recommended to wear a tight pressure bandage and use ointments and drops with an anti-inflammatory effect.

Removal of a tumor with a laser beam. The capsule and its contents are removed separately. Complications and recurrences of the disease practically do not happen. To prevent chafing of the cornea with a postoperative suture, it is recommended to wear a soft contact lens.

From folk methods of treating chalazion often use the juice of garlic and aloe, washing with decoctions of medicinal herbs (, cornflower flowers,). Their action is aimed at anti-inflammatory and antibacterial treatment of the affected eyelid.

Chalazion prevention

To prevent the occurrence of the disease or its recurrence, the following points must be followed:

Get rid of chronic infectious processes in the body. For example, tonsillitis and caries.
Be sure to observe hygiene standards, thoroughly wash hands, eyes, wash off cosmetics.
Limit the intake of foods containing artificial colors, sugars and flavor enhancers.
Keep a sleep schedule. It is best to use pillows with synthetic winterizer or other hypoallergenic filler.
Avoid constant stress, avoid overwork.
According to the doctor's recommendations, regularly drink courses of vitamins and trace elements.
As a preventive measure, massage the eyelids. This improves blood flow, metabolic processes and prevents clogging of the gland.

When the meibomian glands become blocked, a chalazion of the upper eyelid or lower eyelid occurs. These glands are located on the edge of the eyelid - a kind of sebaceous glands, which have slightly changed. Pathology is a benign formation of a rounded shape with clear contours.

When the meibomian glands are working properly, they produce a secret that moisturizes the cornea of the eye and prevents friction between the eyelids. When the channels of the glands are clogged, this secret accumulates, resulting in a tumor.

Symptoms of the disease

At first, the symptoms of a chalazion are very similar to the signs of barley: swelling occurs, which hurts and irritates a little, but very soon such symptoms disappear, and a slight swelling appears at the site of the edema, which begins to grow. Over time, this formation reaches the size of a pea and becomes dense.

If you turn the eyelid and look at its back side, then there is a spot - red or gray. Some patients complain of itching and watery eyes. A chalazion can appear both on one eyelid and on two at once. In addition to the sensation of a foreign object in the eye in the initial stages of the disease, patients rarely complain of other symptoms.

If treatment is not carried out, then an inflammatory process may soon develop, which ends with suppuration. The abscess puts pressure on the eyeball and visual perception is disturbed.

If the abscess breaks through, then a fistula will appear in its place, around which the skin turns red and a hard crust appears. To prevent this from happening, the treatment of such a disease should be carried out at the initial stages.

What does a chalazion look like?

Causes of blockage of glands

The following factors contribute to blockage of the glands:

hormonal disbalance;
prolonged wearing of contact lenses;
decrease in the immune defense of the body;
hypothermia;
diabetes;
lack of hygiene;
low-quality cosmetics;
untreated barley;
increased secretion production;
lack of vitamins and minerals.

The risk group includes people over 40 years of age. However, children also often suffer from this disease.

In the presence of disturbances in the work of the gastrointestinal tract, it can also develop. This contributes to chronic gastritis and dysbacteriosis. Treatment of any formation on the upper eyelid should be carried out by a specialist - an ophthalmologist.

Diagnostics

If the patient asked for a consultation at the initial stage of the disease, then a visual examination is enough for the ophthalmologist, after the diagnosis is established, the doctor prescribes treatment.

If the doctor observes an advanced stage, then it is necessary to conduct biomicroscopy, histological analysis and differential diagnosis. If the treatment is no longer effective, then the chalazion is removed.

Treatment

A quarter of patients with chalazion in the upper eyelid do not feel any unpleasant symptoms and do not carry out any treatment, while the disease resolves on its own. But this is not the case for everyone, so the rest are being treated.

When treating at home, you can apply hot compresses, and after them do an eye massage. These manipulations help to eliminate the blockage and release the contents of the formation.

To make a compress, you need to warm the napkins in hot water. Do not apply burning wipes, the temperature should be comfortable for the skin.

Apply compresses for 15-20 minutes several times a day. Massage is done in circular motions, which are directed downward if the chalazion is located on the upper eyelid, and upward if the formation is on the lower eyelid. Massage is carried out for a minute and also helps in opening the ducts of the glands and the release of the contents to the outside.

Your doctor may recommend steroid injections. They help relieve inflammation a couple of weeks after the injection. The doctor independently injects the medicine into the center of education from the inside of the eyelid.

Provided that the chalazion is large, greatly interferes with the patient and occurs periodically, it is proposed to remove it. The formation is incised and curettage is performed - scraping.

This procedure is done only by specialists. A local anesthetic is given so that the patient does not feel pain. The removal procedure takes no more than half an hour, after which the patient is prescribed an eye ointment with antibacterial properties. Within a week after the operation, the eyelid may swell and bruising may occur.

An alternative to surgery may be. The doctor cuts the capsule with a laser beam and its contents are evaporated. This method is safer and less traumatic.

After such removal, there is no need for stitches, the wound is guaranteed not to become infected, and the recovery process will take less time.

If, despite the correct treatment, the chalazion occurs again, then it is worth undergoing a full diagnosis with a therapist, perhaps another disease may predispose to the development of this disease, for example, skin pathology. In extremely rare cases, a chalazion can be of malignant origin.

laser treatment

Chalazion in a child

It occurs often, this is due to the following reasons:

children touch their eyes with dirty hands and do not always observe eye hygiene,
frequent colds and decreased immunity are also characteristic of childhood.

As in adults, children may have single or multiple formations. When the chalazion is located at the edge of the eyelid, it is not difficult to notice it, but if the formation arose closer to the cartilaginous part of the eyelid, then you will not immediately notice it. In children, the halyazin often opens on its own, and the fatty plug comes out, but there are times when the formation degenerates into a cyst.

The sooner the parents bring the child to an ophthalmologist, the more likely it is that the treatment will be conservative. Most often, the doctor prescribes ointments and drops, and also prescribes physiotherapy procedures.

Chalazion in children

Complications

If the tumor grows too much, it will put pressure on the cornea of the eye. Such a process can cause serious complications:

blurred vision;
astigmatism;
inflammation and clouding of the cornea, which can lead to loss of vision - complete or partial;
an abscess, if an infection gets into the area of education.

Before and after removal

Disease prevention

Hygiene is the main prevention of chalazion. It is necessary to wash off cosmetics before going to bed, do not touch your eyes with dirty hands, bring contact lenses, follow all the rules.

In addition, it is necessary to raise immunity, use high-quality cosmetics, treat barley to the end, treat chronic and immune diseases. At the first manifestations of a chalazion, you should immediately contact an ophthalmologist.

Folk ways

If you decide to treat the disease with folk methods, you should still go for a consultation with an ophthalmologist, he will tell you which methods can be used in your case and which cannot. In addition, we must not forget that alternative methods of treatment are only additional measures that will complement drug treatment. The most effective "grandmother's recipes":

Aloe juice. It is necessary to cut the leaf of the plant, rinse well and squeeze the juice out of it. In the affected eye, this juice should be instilled five times a day, four drops. After that, the eye should be closed and lightly massaged.
Salt. Heat ordinary table salt in a frying pan, then transfer it to a bag made of natural fabric. Until the salt has cooled, apply the bag to the eye for 3-7 minutes. Thus, you will provoke the opening of the abscess and the cleansing of the glandular ducts. It must be said that the benefits of such a method are rather doubtful, because in some cases warming up can cause secondary infection, and the situation will become worse.
Boric acid. With this remedy, it is necessary to make compresses on the eye. Some traditional healers advise after that to apply fresh cottage cheese wrapped in a napkin to the sore eye.
Altey. The affected eye can be washed with marshmallow infusion. Dried marshmallow root should be poured with a glass of boiling water. After 8 hours, the infusion is filtered and the eyes are washed three times a day.
Calendula. This plant is also used for compresses on a sore eye. Two tablespoons of raw materials should be poured with a glass of boiling water and held for half an hour, then moistened with a swab in the infusion and applied to the affected eye for several minutes. Calendula disinfects well and relieves inflammation.
Chamomile and sage. In the same way as the infusion of calendula, you can prepare an infusion of pharmacy chamomile or sage. These plants also have anti-inflammatory properties.
Dill. Grind dill and pour a tablespoon with a glass of boiling water, let it brew, and then apply a swab soaked in the infusion to the eye.

As for children, folk methods should be used with extreme caution in relation to them - many medicinal herbs can cause allergic reactions. Be healthy!

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Definition of a chalazion

Chalazion (hailstone) - swelling of the eyelid caused by blockage of the sebaceous (meibomian) gland and the accumulation of fluid in it. It can appear on the eyelids of both eyes, often visually resembles barley, but its difference is in the chronic course. This pathology is observed in adults and children. The meibomian glands are branched sebaceous glands located deep in the cartilage of the upper and lower eyelids. These are the excretory ducts that open at the lash line.

During normal functional activity, they produce a fatty secretion that moisturizes the tear film and lubricates the corneas and the edges of the eyelids, reducing friction between the edge of the eyelids and the anterior surface of the eye during blinking. Blockage leads to the fact that a fatty secret accumulates in the duct, the gland increases in size and a capsule is formed.

If the chalazion does not open and bothers a person for a long period, then a cyst may form, which is very dangerous for the body. Basically, the pathology develops slowly. The first sign - a swollen eyelid becomes noticeable after 2 weeks. Basically, chalazion is distinguished by a benign chronic course. The disease can manifest itself even after the end of treatment.

Causes of a chalazion

Chalazion develops during hypothermia, this happens in winter, after swimming in the cold water of the pool, etc. Blockage of the gland is a consequence of barley or. The reasons for the changes include a decrease in immunity, the presence of colds, non-compliance with personal hygiene.

Wearing contact lenses provokes clogging of the gland. There are many causes of the disease, it is believed that increased oiliness of the skin, disruption of the gastrointestinal tract, chronic or, biliary dyskinesia and changes in hormonal levels lead to inflammation.

Symptoms of a chalazion

Chalazion is manifested by painful sensations from touching the eyelid, local redness in the conjunctiva zone. The acute period may be characterized by suppuration, excessive tissue growth (granulation), reddening of the skin of the eyelids, spontaneous opening and discharge of pus through the fistula.

The decrease in vision does not depend on the disease, but with a large size, the bump has a mechanical effect on the cornea and this can affect vision and the development of astigmatism in the eyes. The course of the disease is accompanied only by the appearance of a rounded formation at the edge of the upper or lower eyelid.

Types of chalazion

Clinically, the chalazion of the lower or upper eyelid appears as a limited swelling, which becomes more noticeable over time in the cartilage tissue of the eyelid. Sometimes the chalazion affecting the lower eyelid is extended towards the conjunctiva. The skin in the area of the blockage remains unchanged.

The tumor may not progress in growth, then its independent resorption is possible. If it increases in volume, it will accordingly touch the conjunctiva and lead to the appearance of a mushroom-like granuloma.

Diagnosis and treatment of chalazion

Chalazion is diagnosed without instruments and tests, during a visual examination of the eyelids by a doctor. Typically, patients complain of the appearance of a formation in the form of a ball, redness of the eyelid, and infrequent blinking movements. Treatment of a chalazion should begin as soon as it is discovered. An early visit to the doctor allows you to exclude surgical intervention.

Initial lesions can be treated at home after consulting a doctor. Treatment at home is limited to the use of dry, warm compresses and light eyelid massage. In a polyclinic - UHF therapy.

But if there are symptoms of inflammation, heat treatment is strictly prohibited, since an abscess or phlegmon of the eyelid may develop, requiring urgent medical attention. The appointment of procedures and drugs is carried out depending on the severity of pathological changes. Early chalazion development is treated with eye drops and yellow mercury eye ointment.

A later stage of the disease requires the use of resorbable corticosteroid injections. They are injected with a thin needle into the cavity of the formed capsule. Antibacterial and disinfectant ointments and drops, such as sodium sulfacyl, ofloxacin, hydrocortisone, dexamethasone, levofloxacin, tetracycline ointment, are distinguished among the quick help tools.

Ointments, for example, maxitrol, which, in addition to the antibiotic, contain a steroidal anti-inflammatory substance, are noted for their excellent action. In the absence of the effect of therapeutic methods, an operation is performed to remove the chalazion. The operation is performed under local anesthesia and takes only 15-20 minutes. The chalazion is opened from the side of the skin, at the end 1-2 sutures are applied or from the side of the conjunctiva.

After surgical manipulations, a pressure bandage is applied to the eye for 5-7 days. Drops or ointment are applied daily for 7 days to relieve inflammation. In the case of a fistula, an incision is made along its course, and the transformed tissues are incised, after which sutures are applied. In case of recurrence of the disease at the site of surgery, the tissue is taken for examination in order to exclude a malignant formation in the meibomian gland. In the process of treatment, it is necessary to identify concomitant diseases that contribute to the development of this pathology.

Chalazion prevention

Remember that chalazion can cause changes in the appearance of the face. The resulting defect under or above the eyelid interferes with the normal function of the eyelid and, moreover, does not look attractive. Compliance with hygiene, the use of seasonal clothing that protects against hypothermia, swimming in water with an acceptable temperature, the use of vitamins is the key to eye health.

Expert editor: Mochalov Pavel Alexandrovich| MD general practitioner

Education: Moscow Medical Institute. I. M. Sechenov, specialty - "Medicine" in 1991, in 1993 "Occupational diseases", in 1996 "Therapy".