$Unique_ID{BRK03585} $Pretitle{} $Title{Chalazion} $Subject{Chalazion Meibomian Cyst Tarsal Cyst Hordeolum Internal Hordeolum External Sty Blepharitis} $Volume{} $Log{} Copyright (C) 1989 National Organization for Rare Disorders, Inc. 702: Chalazion ** IMPORTANT ** It is possible that the main title of the article (Chalazion) is not the name you expected. Please check the SYNONYM listing to find the alternate names and disorder subdivisions covered by this article. Synonyms Meibomian Cyst Tarsal Cyst Information on the following diseases can be found in the Related Disorders section of this report: Hordeolum, Internal Hordeolum, External, (Sty) Blepharitis Tarsitis General Discussion ** REMINDER ** The information contained in the Rare Disease Database is provided for educational purposes only. It should not be used for diagnostic or treatment purposes. If you wish to obtain more information about this disorder, please contact your personal physician and/or the agencies listed in the "Resources" section of this report. Chalazion is a chronic tumor-like mass (granuloma) in the connective tissue of the eyelid (tarsus) caused by an inflammation of the meibomian gland. Symptoms Chalazion is a chronic inflammation of the meibomian gland and is characterized by an irritation and swelling of the eyelid. There may be a small, round, moveable swelling of the meibomian gland. The inflammation is usually painless unless it enlarges and causes an inflamation of the eyelids' membrane (conjunctiva). Causes The exact cause of Chalazion is not known. It is thought to be caused by a blockage of the duct of the oil-producing meibomian gland. Affected Population Chalazion affects males and females in equal numbers. Related Disorders Symptoms of the following disorders can be similar to those of Chalazion. Comparisons may be useful for a differential diagnosis: A Sty (External Hardeolum) is an acute, localized infection of one of the glands of the eyelid. It is a common condition characterized by pain, redness, and a small and round localized area of inflammation. A small yellow spot of pus will appear at the top of the swollen area. This will eventually rupture, draining the infection and relieving the pain. A sty is treated with hot compresses to promote drainage and antibiotic ointments. Internal Hardeolum is a more severe and deeper infection of the meibomian gland. There is more localized pain, redness and swelling. On the inside of the eyelid a swelling occurs that may become abscessed. Rupture of the inflamed area is rare and repeat episodes are common. This disorder is treated with hot compresses and antibiotics. The drug Sulfacetemide may be used to prevent the infection from spreading to other areas of the body. Blepharitis is an inflammation of the eyelids. Nonulcerative (squamous or seborrheic) blepharitis is characterized by itching, redness, swelling, loss of eye lashes, a discharge and irritation of the conjunctiva, excessive tearing, and sensitivity to light. It may be caused by an allergic reaction or an excess secretion of sebum of the face and scalp. With ulcerative blepharitis, a bacterial infection (usually staphylococcal) of the eyelids occurs causing pustules, crusts and ulcers of the eyelids. Treatment consists of topical antibiotics and warm compresses applied to the affected eye. Sulfacetemide-corticosteroid drops can be helpful in controlling further infections. Tarsitis is an inflammation of the eyelids that may be caused by syphilis, tuberculosis or trachoma (an infectious disease of the conjunctiva and cornea). It is characterized by redness, swelling, tenderness, and pain in the eyelid. There may also be pus, crusts of the eyelash follicles and soft skin tumors (gummata) which may cause a thickening of the connective tissues of the eyelid (tarsus). This type of tumor may indicate a late stage of syphilis. Parenteral Penicillin G has proven effective in the treatment of nonallergic patients with Syphilis. Therapies: Standard Chalazions will often subside after a few months. The application of hot compresses, and topical antibiotic ointments such as bacitracin and erythromycin, may be effective. If necessary, surgical removal can be done under local anesthesia usually in the Ophthalmologist's office. Wearing an eye patch may be required for about a day. Therapies: Investigational At the present time, a study is being conducted on the effectiveness of CO2 (carbon dioxide) laser therapy for the removal of Chalazion. Studies are also being conducted using intralesional corticosteroid injections with or without surgical removal of the chalazion. More research must be conducted to determine long-term safety and effectiveness of these treatments. This disease entry is based upon medical information available through December 1989. Since NORD's resources are limited, it is not possible to keep every entry in the Rare Disease Database completely current and accurate. Please check with the agencies listed in the Resources section for the most current information about this disorder. Resources For more information on Chalazion, please contact: National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD) P.O. Box 8923 New Fairfield, CT 06812-1783 (203) 746-6518 Eye Research Institute of Retina Foundation 20 Staniford St. Boston, MA 02114 (617) 742-3140 NIH/National Eye Institute 9000 Rockville Pike Bethesda, MD 20892 (301) 496-5248 References THE MERCK MANUAL, Volume 2, 14th Ed.: Robert Berkow, M.D. ed-in-chief; Merck, Sharp & Dohme Laboratories., 1982. Pp. 177. LASER CHALAZION REMOVAL. E.L. Korn; OPTHALMIC SURG, (June 1988; issue 19 (6)). Pp. 428-431. COMBINED EXCISION AND DRAINAGE WITH INTRALESIONAL CORTICOSTEROID INJECTION IN THE TREATMENT OF CHRONIC CHALAZIA. G.A. Epstein et al.; ARCH OPTHALMOL, (April 1988; issue 106 (4)). Pp. 514-516. ADRENOCORTICOSTEROID INJECTION VS. CONSERVATIVE THERAPY IN THE TREATMENT OF CHALAZIA. G.W. Garrett et al.; ANN OPTHALMOL, (May 1988; issue 20 (5)). Pp. 196. EXTRATARSAL CHALAZIA. R.S. Gonnering; BR J OPTHALMOL, (March 1988; issue 72 (3)). Pp. 202-205.