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Chalazion is also known as meibomian cyst. It is a small, painless, slowly
enlarging mass in the eyelid caused by obstruction of the duct which drains
the meibomian gland. It is usually seen in adults.
Meibomian glands are sebaceous glands located in the tarsal plate of the
eyelid. Its secretions lubricate the eyes. There are plenty of these glands
near the eyelashes. The cyst-like swelling is formed when the gland’s
secretion is blocked.
When the cyst enlarges there will be mild tenderness, erythema, itchyness,
sensitivity to light and increased lacrimation. It usually heals even
without treatment. Warm compress 15 minutes four times a day will improve
the drainage and promote healing.
Surgical procedure can be done to those which continue to enlarge. It is
usually done using local anesthesia. If the condition becomes recurrent then
biopsy must be done to rule out presence of a tumor.
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