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$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.