Chalazion (Eyelid Cyst) Removal Surgery Christchurch | 1 Health

A lump on your eyelid can be more than just a cosmetic annoyance; it can be painful, persistent, and even affect your vision.

While many people mistake these lumps for styes, a persistent, firm lump is often a Chalazion (Meibomian Cyst). Unlike a stye, which is an acute infection, a chalazion is a chronic inflammation caused by a blocked oil gland.

If you have an eyelid lump that won't go away with home treatment, 1 Health in Wigram offers expert assessment and surgical removal (Incision and Curettage) right here in our clinic.

What is a Chalazion?

A chalazion is a painless or mildly tender lump that forms on the upper or lower eyelid. It occurs when one of the tiny oil glands (Meibomian glands) in your eyelid becomes blocked. These glands normally produce the oily layer of your tears; when blocked, the oil backs up, causing the gland to swell and form a cyst.

Chalazion vs. Stye: What’s the Difference?

It is easy to confuse the two, but they require different care:

• Stye (Hordeolum): An acute infection of an eyelash follicle. It is usually red, very painful, and looks like a pimple at the lash line.

• Chalazion: A blockage of an oil gland. It is often firm, less painful than a stye, and sits further back in the eyelid.

Home Treatments: The First Line of Defense

Before jumping to surgery, we usually recommend trying conservative home treatments for 2–4 weeks, as many chalazia will resolve on their own.

• Warm Compresses: Apply a warm (not hot) flannel to the closed eye for 10–15 minutes, 2–4 times a day. This helps melt the hardened oil.

• Lid Massage: Gently massage the eyelid towards the lash line to encourage the gland to drain.

• Lid Hygiene: Keep the area clean and avoid wearing eye makeup until it heals.

Note: Never attempt to "pop" or squeeze a chalazion yourself. This can cause serious infection and damage the delicate eyelid tissue.



When to Seek Professional Treatment

You should book a consultation with our Minor Surgery team if:

• The lump persists after 3–4 weeks of home treatment.
• It is growing larger or becoming painful.
• It is pressing on your eye and affecting your vision (astigmatism).
• You have recurring cysts.

The Surgical Solution: Incision and Curettage (I&C)

If conservative treatment fails, the most effective solution is a minor procedure called Incision and Curettage. This is a quick procedure performed under local anaesthetic at 1 Health.

How the Procedure Works

1. Anaesthetic: We inject a small amount of local anaesthetic into the eyelid. This stings briefly, but the rest of the procedure is painless.
2. Clamping: A specialized clamp is placed on the eyelid to flip it inside out and create a stable, blood-free surface.
   
3. Incision: Dr. Teo makes a tiny incision on the inside of the eyelid. This means there is no visible scar on your face.
   
4. Removal: The contents of the cyst are scooped out (curettage), and the sac is removed to prevent recurrence.
5. Recovery: Antibiotic ointment is applied, and a pressure pad is placed over the eye for 1–2 hours to minimize bruising.

Because the incision is on the inside, no stitches are usually required.