Condition

Chalazion

Editors: Marie-Claude Robert MD, FRCSC; Esther Jolanda van Zuuren MD; Alexander Rae-Grant MD, FRCPC, FAAN

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Background Information

Description

  • A chalazion is a benign lipogranulomatous, subcutaneous nodule within the meibomian glands lining the tarsal plate of eyelid. Chalazia are usually painless and noninfectious.
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  • Chalazia are typically self-limiting. With the application of heat and massage, a chalazion will usually resolve within several weeks.
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Also Called

  • Meibomian cyst.
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Epidemiology

Risk Factors

  • Chalazia may occur at any age.
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  • Factors associated with increased risk include:
    • Blepharitis
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    • Skin conditions that predispose to meibomian gland dysfunction, such as acne rosacea and seborrheic dermatitis
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    • Internal hordeolum (stye), which involves infection of the meibomian gland and may evolve into a chalazion (Am Fam Physician 1998 Jun;57(11):2695).
  • STUDY SUMMARY
    presence of coexisting eye conditions, Hispanic/Latino ethnicity, and American Indian or Alaska Native race are each associated with increased risk of chalazion in children
    COHORT STUDY: Can J Ophthalmol 2022 Aug;57(4):242

Associated Conditions

  • STUDY SUMMARY
    chalazia associated with increased prevalence of demodicosis
    CASE-CONTROL STUDY: Am J Ophthalmol 2014 Feb;157(2):342CASE-CONTROL STUDY: Ophthalmic Plast Reconstr Surg 2016 Jul;32(4):275

Etiology and Pathogenesis

Causes

  • Chalazia are caused by an obstruction of the meibomian gland ducts lining the tarsal plate of the eyelid.
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Pathogenesis

  • Retained meibomian secretions cause granulomatous inflammation.
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  • Blockage of the duct due to this lipid inspissation, results in the release of gland contents into the surrounding soft tissue of eyelid causing a lipogranulomatous reaction.
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DynaMed Levels of Evidence

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DynaMed provides easy-to-interpret Level of Evidence labels so users can quickly find and determine the quality of the best available evidence. Evidence may be labeled in one of three levels:

1Level 1 (likely reliable) Evidence
Representing research results addressing clinical outcomes and meeting an extensive set of quality criteria which minimizes bias.
There are two types of conclusions which can earn a Level 1 label: levels of evidence for conclusions derived from individual studies and levels of evidence for conclusions regarding a body of evidence.
2Level 2 (mid-level) Evidence
Representing research results addressing clinical outcomes, and using some method of scientific investigation, but not meeting the quality criteria to achieve Level 1 evidence labeling.
3Level 3 (lacking direct) Evidence
Representing reports that are not based on scientific analysis of clinical outcomes. Examples include case series, case reports, expert opinion, and conclusions extrapolated indirectly from scientific studies.

Grades of Recommendation

Guideline producers are now frequently using classification approaches for their evidence and recommendations, and these classifications are recognized and requested by guideline users. When summarizing guideline recommendations for DynaMed users, the DynaMed Editors are using the guideline-specific classifications and providing guideline classification approach when this is done.

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