Definition

Noun: A chalazion is a small, typically painless lump or cyst that forms on the eyelid. It is caused by a blockage in one of the Meibomian glands, which are tiny oil-producing glands located along the edge of the eyelids. This blockage leads to inflammation and the accumulation of secretions, resulting in a firm, localized swelling.

Examples of Usage

• A chalazion often develops gradually and can cause mild eyelid swelling.
• Unlike a stye, a chalazion is usually not infectious and tends to be less painful.
• The ophthalmologist diagnosed the bump on her upper lid as a chalazion.

Advanced Usage

• Recurrent chalazion: This term is used when a person experiences multiple or returning chalazia, which may indicate an underlying condition like blepharitis (chronic eyelid inflammation).
• Incision and curettage of a chalazion: This is a minor surgical procedure to drain and remove a persistent or large chalazion.

Variants and Related Words

• Meibomian cyst: This is a direct synonym for chalazion, referring specifically to its origin in the blocked Meibomian gland.
• Stye (or hordeolum): A related but distinct condition. A stye is a painful, infectious abscess at the base of an eyelash, while a chalazion is a non-infectious blockage further back in the eyelid.

Synonyms

• Meibomian cyst
• Eyelid cyst
• Tarsal cyst

Related Phrases

• To develop a chalazion: The common phrase describing the onset of the condition.
  • She developed a chalazion after a period of eye irritation.
• To have a chalazion drained: Refers to the medical treatment for removing its contents.
  • The chalazion was large enough that the doctor recommended having it drained.

Noun

1. a small sebaceous cyst of the eyelid resulting when a Meibomian gland is blocked