Table of Contents
What’s this
The chalazion is a ‘inflammation acute or chronic affecting some glands of the eye, called the meibomian glands. These are glands located in the area of the eyelashes and responsible for the production and secretion of the lipid fraction that makes up the tears: when one or more meibomian glands become inflamed, one appears cyst, or the chalazion. The lump, usually small, can form on the surface of the upper or lower eyelid or on the inside of both eyelids and, in addition to swelling and discomfort, it can cause pain.
Causes and symptoms
The chalazion is caused by a change in the composition of the secretions and, consequently, theobstruction of one or more meibomian glands. Alterations in the lipid fraction of tear fluid can occur as a result of:
To suffer more from chalazion are then people who have disorders of sebaceous secretion and which therefore tend to have a thicker tear fluid. In addition, chalazion occurs more frequently during periods of high stress, if you follow an unbalanced diet for a certain period or in those suffering from intestinal disorders.
Regardless of the cause, the symptoms are the same: the obstruction leads to swelling and, subsequently, to appearance of a nodule of varying size in the area of the affected glands, which causes discomfort, a feeling of pressure and, rarely, pain. The eyelid typically appears red and inflammation can affect the conjunctiva leading to tearing and secretions of the eye. If the chalazion takes on important dimensions, you may also have eye pain or slight disturbances in the vision. If, on the other hand, the lump is small, its symptoms can be easily confused with those of the sty, acute inflammation of the sebaceous glands located at the base of the eyelashes.
A consultation with your doctor or ophthalmologist – recommended especially if the chalazion occurs recurrently or if it is slow to heal – it will allow to obtain a correct diagnosis.
Prevention
People who often suffer from this disorder should pay more attention to prevent its occurrence eye hygiene and nutrition. As we have seen, behind the appearance of the chalazion there may be a predisposition and, often, this disorder occurs frequently in case of dysfunctions of the sebum production.
At the table, it is therefore better to avoid the foods that can alter sebum production, such as dairy products, sweets, packaged or over-processed foods, and foods rich in animal fats. A healthy diet can help keep the composition of the tear fluid in balance, thus avoiding obstruction of the glandular ducts.
Then it should keep the eye area clean and remember to always remove make-up from eyelids and lashes before going to sleep, using a mild make-up remover and a cotton pad or a well-cleaned sponge.
Remedies
Normally the chalazion it does not require special treatments. In fact, in most cases the inflammation spontaneously regresses within a few weeks. During the infection it is good to avoid eye make-up and contact lenses which could worsen the discomfort caused by the chalazion.
For reduce symptoms inflammation and relieve redness and swelling, in addition to any medical treatments prescribed by the ophthalmologist, it is possible to resort to warm compresses and eye drops based on chamomile or escolzia, with a soothing, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and healing action. Reducing the swelling facilitates the emptying of the cyst and, consequently, the healing of the chalazion.
Between plants that help regulate sebum production and to rebalance the composition we remember the burdock root (Arctium lappa) and the pansy (Viola tricolor). Both remedies can be used either entirely or externally for their purifying properties that bring benefits especially in case of skin problems due to an excess of sebum. In the case of chalazion, for example, the mother tincture of burdock and mother tincture of violet can be used, to be mixed in equal parts in a small dark glass bottle. They take some 50 drops diluted in a glass of water two or three times a day in order to reduce sebum production and prevent disorders related to dysfunction of the sebaceous glands.
If the chalazion becomes chronic and does not heal within a couple of months, or if the cyst is large and causes visual disturbances, theophthalmologist will be able to evaluate whether to proceed with surgical removal. Obviously you have to avoid maneuvers and do-it-yourself interventions like trying to squeeze, puncture or cut the chalazion in the hope of eliminating it, because doing so risks worsening the situation, causing injuries that could easily become infected.
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