• Infections

Will a Chalazion Go Away?

Published: March 25, 2025
Updated: March 25, 2025
4 mins

A chalazion is a small, painless lump that develops on the eyelid due to a blocked oil gland. Unlike a stye, which is usually caused by an infection, a chalazion is a non-infectious swelling that can persist for weeks or even months. While it often starts as mild redness or swelling, it can grow larger and sometimes press against the eye, causing discomfort or blurry vision.

Chalazia are fairly common, especially in people with conditions like blepharitis, rosacea, or chronic eyelid inflammation. Though they are typically harmless, larger or persistent chalazia can be bothersome and may require treatment.

This article will cover everything you need to know about chalazion treatment, including self-care strategies, medication options, and when to seek medical attention. Whether you're wondering if a chalazion will go away on its own or looking for removal options, we’ll guide you through the best approaches for managing this condition.

What is a Chalazion?

A chalazion is a small, fluid-filled cyst that forms on the eyelid when one of the meibomian glands becomes blocked. These glands are responsible for producing oil that helps keep the eye lubricated. When the oil thickens and clogs the gland, it can create a slow-growing lump on the eyelid.

Many people confuse a chalazion with a stye, but they are different conditions:

• A stye is a red, painful bump caused by an infected eyelash follicle or oil gland. It often appears at the edge of the eyelid and may be filled with pus.

• A chalazion is not an infection. It develops deeper in the eyelid due to gland blockage and usually isn’t painful unless it becomes inflamed. While a stye can turn into a chalazion if it doesn’t drain properly, a chalazion itself is not caused by bacteria.

Chalazions can form on either the upper or lower eyelid, depending on which gland becomes blocked. They often develop inside the eyelid, which can make them less noticeable at first. However, as they grow, they can create a visible bump that may be more prominent on the outside of the eyelid.

Chalazion symptoms

• Swelling: A firm lump under the eyelid, which can grow over time.

• Mild to no pain: Unlike styes, chalazia are usually painless but can become tender if inflamed.

• Blurry vision: If the chalazion is large enough, it may press on the eyeball, causing slight visual disturbances.

• Redness and irritation: The affected eyelid may appear slightly red or irritated.

Does a Chalazion Go Away on its Own?

In many cases, a chalazion can resolve on its own over the course of a few weeks to a couple of months. The body may gradually break down the trapped oil and clear the blockage, causing the lump to shrink and eventually disappear without medical intervention.

When and why some chalazia persist

While some chalazia go away naturally, others may linger for weeks or even months if the blockage remains or if the cyst hardens. Factors that can lead to a persistent chalazion include:

• Size: Larger chalazia take longer to drain or may not resolve without treatment.

• Inflammation: If the surrounding tissue remains irritated, the chalazion may not shrink as expected.

• Recurring blockages: People with conditions like blepharitis, rosacea, or chronic eye inflammation are more prone to chalazia that don’t resolve on their own.

• Poor eyelid hygiene: Without proper cleaning, oil buildup can worsen and prevent healing.

Factors that influence the healing process

• Consistent warm compresses can speed up drainage by softening the hardened oil inside the gland.

• Eyelid massage may help encourage natural drainage.

• Avoiding squeezing or popping the chalazion prevents further irritation and possible infection.

• Reducing eye strain (such as limiting screen time) may help reduce inflammation.

How to hide a lower eye chalazion temporarily

If you have a chalazion on the lower eyelid and want to minimize its appearance:

• Use makeup strategically: A lightweight concealer can help reduce the visibility of redness or swelling, but avoid applying makeup directly over the chalazion to prevent irritation.

• Adjust your glasses or sunglasses: Frames can sometimes help conceal a lower eyelid chalazion, drawing attention away from the area.

• Hairstyle tricks: Bangs or glasses-friendly hairstyles can subtly shift focus away from the eyes.

• Cold compresses before going out: While warm compresses help with healing, a brief cold compress can reduce puffiness before social interactions.

If a chalazion remains for a long time or continues to grow, medical treatment may be necessary to remove it.

Chalazion Treatment Options

Treatment for a chalazion depends on its size, duration, and whether it is causing discomfort or vision problems. Many chalazia will shrink and disappear with self-care, while others may require medication or medical intervention if they persist.

Home remedies for relief

For most people, simple at-home treatments can help a chalazion heal faster and reduce discomfort:

• Warm compresses: Applying a warm compress several times a day can soften the blockage and encourage natural drainage.

• Gentle massage of the eyelid: Lightly massaging the eyelid after a warm compress may help break up the trapped oil.

• Eyelid hygiene: Keeping the eyelids clean with mild soap or baby shampoo can prevent further blockages and irritation.

Medications used to treat chalazia

If home treatments don’t work, a doctor may recommend medication to reduce inflammation or prevent infection:

• Topical treatments: Antibiotic or steroid eye drops may help in some cases, especially if there is associated eyelid inflammation.

• Oral medications: Though less common, antibiotics may be prescribed if there is an underlying infection or recurring chalazia.

Medical procedures for persistent chalazia

For chalazia that do not resolve with self-care or medication, a doctor may suggest medical procedures to remove them:

• Drainage or incision procedure: A minor surgical procedure can be performed under local anesthesia to drain the chalazion.

• Steroid injections: In some cases, a steroid injection can reduce swelling and help the chalazion shrink without surgery.

Chalazion Eye Disease: Understanding its Impact

While a chalazion is generally not harmful, it can become a recurring or chronic issue for some individuals. Understanding its potential effects on eye health can help in managing and preventing future occurrences. 

Most chalazia resolve on their own, but if left untreated or if they persist for long periods, they may cause:

• Chronic eyelid inflammation: Recurring chalazia can lead to long-term irritation and swelling.

• Hardened cyst formation: Some chalazia become firm and do not drain, requiring medical removal.

• Eyelid deformity: In rare cases, repeated chalazia can cause scarring, leading to slight changes in eyelid shape.

Some people are more prone to developing multiple or persistent chalazia, especially those with:

• Blepharitis (chronic eyelid inflammation)

• Rosacea (a skin condition linked to oil gland dysfunction)

• Seborrheic dermatitis or other skin conditions

• Diabetes, which can affect gland function and healing

• A history of previous chalazia

If you frequently experience chalazia, maintaining good eyelid hygiene and addressing underlying conditions can help reduce recurrence.

Though a chalazion does not directly damage the eye, it can temporarily affect vision if:

• It grows large enough to press against the cornea, leading to blurry vision or slight astigmatism.

• Chronic inflammation leads to persistent irritation or discomfort.

• In rare cases, a persistent chalazion may become infected, requiring antibiotic treatment.

For those dealing with recurrent or persistent chalazia, consulting an eye doctor can help determine the best long-term management approach.

How to Prevent Chalazia

While chalazia can develop unexpectedly, certain habits can help reduce the risk of recurring blockages and inflammation.

• Clean your eyelids daily with a mild cleanser, such as diluted baby shampoo or eyelid wipes, to remove oil buildup and bacteria.

• Use warm compresses regularly, especially if you’re prone to chalazia, to keep the oil glands in your eyelids from clogging.

• Remove eye makeup thoroughly before bed to prevent debris from accumulating along the lash line.

• Wash your hands frequently to prevent bacteria and debris from transferring to your eyelids.

• Avoid rubbing your eyes, as this can introduce bacteria and increase irritation.

• Replace contact lenses regularly and follow proper lens hygiene to minimize eye irritation.

• If you have blepharitis, rosacea, or seborrheic dermatitis, follow a consistent eye care routine to control inflammation and oil buildup.

• For those with chronic eyelid inflammation, a doctor may recommend prescription eyelid cleansers or medicated drops to keep the oil glands functioning properly.

• If you experience frequent chalazia, consulting an eye specialist can help identify any underlying conditions contributing to their recurrence.

By incorporating these habits into your daily routine, you can reduce the likelihood of future chalazia and maintain healthier eyelids.

Where Can I Learn More About My Eye Health?

It’s not uncommon to experience a chalazion at one point or another. At LifeMD, a licensed healthcare provider can prescribe appropriate medications and give you tips for keeping your eyes healthy and preventing infections. 

Make an online appointment today to learn more about chalazion prevention and healthy eye care practices.

LifeMD makes it easy to stay on top of your health because talking to a doctor, filling your prescriptions, getting your labs done—and more—are all easy and cost-effective. Come discover a healthcare solution built around you and your life.

Connect with a doctor now!

Join Now