Call: 021 434 1030
Featured Treatments
SLT (Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty) for Glaucoma
Laser surgery has become increasingly popular as an alternative method of treating pressure.
IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) For Dry Eyes
New revolutionary device for the treatment of dry eyes due to Blepharitis/Meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD), the E-Eye IPL machine.
Meibomian Cysts
What are Meibomian Cysts (Chalazion)?
A meibomian cyst or stye are lumps in or along the edge of an eyelid. In some situations it may be difficult to distinguish between a cyst and a stye.
A stye often appears as a red, sore lump near the edge of the eyelid, caused by an infected eyelash follicle. When a stye occurs inside or under the eyelid, it is called an internal hordeolum.
A cyst is an enlargement of an oil producing gland in the eyelid.
The term chalazion comes from a Greek word meaning "small lump". A chalazion forms when an oil producing gland in the eyelid called the meibomian gland becomes enlarges and the gland opening becomes clogged with oil.
Chalazions tend to develop further from the edge of the eyelid than styes. Often larger than a stye, chalazion are usually not painful. It is not caused by an infection from bacteria and it is not a cancer. Sometimes, when a stye does not heal, it can turn into a chalazion.
Chalazion and Stye Symptoms
Symptoms of a stye at first generally include eyelid tenderness and redness in the affected area, with irritation and scratchiness in the eye. Further symptoms of a stye include:
A red bump along the edge of the eyelid at the base of the eyelashes, usually with a small puss spot in the centre
- A feeling as if there is something in your eye
- Sensitivity to light
- Crusting along the eyelid margin
- Tearing
About 25% of chalazion have no symptoms and will go away without any treatment. Sometimes, however, a chalazion may become red, swollen and occasionally may be tender. A larger chalazion may also cause blurred vision by distorting the shape of the eye. Occasionally, a chalazion can cause the entire eyelid to swell suddenly.
Who is a Risk for Chalazion or Styes?
Anyone can develop a chalazion or styes, but if you have Blepharitis, a condition affecting the eyelid margins you may be more likely to get either one.
You may also have an increased risk of developing chalazion or styes if you:-
- Have had meibomian cysts or styes previously;
- Have skin conditions such as acne, rosacea, or seborrheic dermatitis;
- Have other systemic medical conditions, such as diabetes;
- Consistently don't remove eye make-up completely;
- Use old or contaminated cosmetics.
What Causes Chalazion and Styes?
A painful, tender stye (also called a hordeolum) is usually caused by a bacterial infection. A stye will develop at the base of the eyelash if the eyelash follice (root) is infected. This is usually an external hordeolum. A stye will also devleop if there is an infection in one of the tiny lubricating oil glands (called meibomian glands) inside or under the eyelid. When this occurs, it is usally called an internal hordeolum. A stye can also be caused by widespread inflammation of the eyelid from Blepharitis, a condition that affects the eyelid margins.
Chalazion and Stye Treatment
It is important not to squeeze or to try to "pop" a chalazion or stye. This may spread the infection into the surrounding eyelid tissue.
Symptoms of a chalazion or styes are treated with one or more of the following methods:
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Warm Compresses
Soak a clean wash cloth in hot water and apply the cloth to the lid for 10 to 15 minues, three or four times a day until the chalazion or stye is gone. You should repeatedly soak the cloth in hot water to maintain adequate heat. The warm compress should allow the clogged gland to open and drain white or yellow discharge. If the gland opens, gentle massage around the stye or chalazion may help drainage.
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Antibiotic ointments
An antibiotic ointment may be prescribed if bacteria infects a chalazion, or if a stye does not improve after treatment with warm compresses or it it keeps coming back.
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Steroid injections
A steroid (cortizone) injection is sometimes used to reduce the swelling of a chalazion.
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Surgical Removal
If a large chalazion or stye does not heal after other treatments or if it affects your vision Mr. Golchin may need to drain it in surgery. The procedure is usually performed under local anaesthetic in the Outpatients Department.
Clinic Location
Cork Eye Clinic
Suite 7/8, Clinic A,
Cork Clinic, Western Road,
Cork, T12 VY83.
Tel: 021 434 1030
Fax: 021 434 1033
Email: bgolchin@corkeyeclinic.ie
Meet the Surgeon
Mr. Behrooz Golchin
Featured Article
VIEW ALLWhat Our Patients Say
At 65, I now have better vision than when I was 17. I was required to wear glasses for driving (driver eye test). I now have 20/20 vision at a time in my life when I would be expected to be getting reduced vision. This is all down to Mr. Behrooz Golchin's expert skill and care. I have had both my cataracts removed and a retinal tear repaired using laser surgery. Fantastic! Now, if I could find a Mr. Behrooz Golchin who specialised in weight management, I would be home and dry.. My sincere thank to Mr. Behrooz Golcin and his team. Keep up the good work!
Raymond Atkins