How To Get Rid Of Inflamed Lump(Eye Cysts) On Eyelids

By Patricia | June 18, 2009

A chalazion or an eye cyst is a lump or swelling formed on the upper or lower eyelid. Such eye cysts should not be confused with styes that are infections of an oil gland. Rather these cysts are the result of blocked oil ducts that increase in size and result in a visible lump around the eye socket. Chalazion or eye cysts are also referred to as meibomian cysts, tarsal cysts, or conjunctival granuloma.

Causes:

The Meibomian glands are located near the eyelashes and are responsible for producing the oil that keeps the eyes lubricated with tears. There are about a hundred of such glands and a blockage in any one of the ducts that drain these glands can cause a chalazion of eye cyst to develop. In some cases, the oil in the gland may become too thick and viscous to flow freely and causes a build up within the duct. This obstruction leads to the formation of a chalazion as well. Skin condition such as acne rosacea may be responsible for recurring eye cysts. In rare cases, an eye cyst may develop due to cancer of the skin. If your doctor suspects this is the cause, a biopsy may be required in order to confirm the diagnosis.

Symptoms:

  • Swelling on the upper or lower eyelid that is painful and red
  • Eyelids that are tender and warm to the touch
  • A lump or bump that is hard and can grow as large as an eighth of an inch
  • Swelling that may increase in size over time
  • Increase in the amount of tears produced by the eyes
  • Increased sensitivity to light
  • Due to the pressure on the cornea, there may be cases where an eye cyst causes temporary astigmatism. This will disappear once the cyst is treated
  • There may be a loss of eyelashes over the area of the cyst
  • A chalazion is not contagious
  • Chalazion are more common in adults than children

If along with the lump on your eyelid you experience any of the following symptoms, contact your doctor or ophthalmologist immediately:

  • High fever
  • Constant headache
  • Blurred vision
  • Double vision
  • Unable to see clearly
  • Excessive drainage from the eye
  • Unbearable pain around the eye
  • Swelling or redness that does not respond treatment
  • Both eyes are swollen

Treatment:

If left untreated, an eye cyst will disappear on its own within a month or so. For most people however, this is too long a time to wait and bear the unpleasant symptoms that accompany such cysts. Doctors recommend applying a warm compress to the cyst up to four times a day until the swelling reduces and finally disappears. Hold the warm compress on the affected area for 10 to 15 minutes at a time to soften the blockage and speed up the draining process. Always wash your hands well before applying the compress and use a fresh clean cloth. Never heat the water for a compress in a microwave as it can become too hot and burn the delicate skin of the eyelids. Instead of tap water, you could use normal saline solution but check with your doctor before doing so.

Antibiotic eye drops are also prescribed for a few days after the cyst disappears to prevent an infection developing. If recurring cysts are caused due to skin conditions such as acne rosascea, a course of low-dose tetracycline may be prescribed to treat the condition. Sometimes, the chalazion may not respond to treatment or medication and may continue to grow bigger. For different ways on how to get rid of a persistent eye cyst, it is better to consult with your doctor rather then dabble with self-treatment and medication. In such cases, steroid injections or surgery may be required. If you are prone to eye cysts, make sure you clean your eyes thoroughly. Washing around your eyes with a gentle baby shampoo can also prevent further blockage of the gland ducts.

Home Remedies:

  • A popular home remedy for eye cysts involves the use of guava leaves as a compress. Warm these leaves and place them in a clean dry cloth. Place this cloth over the swelling and leave it on for a while to reduce pain and redness.
  • Boil some acacia leaves in water. Remove the leaves and use this water to soak a towel or clean cloth. Place the warm compress over the eyelids to remove in order to get rid of the chalazion cyst naturally.
  • Another effective home remedy for eye cysts is applying a mixture of rosewater and honey directly on the eye. Some people also wash their eyes with cold evaporated milk, which has a soothing effect and helps the eye heal at a faster rate.
  • Tea bag eye treatments are effective in treating an eye cyst. After consulting a doctor, the used teabag of chamomile tea should be chilled for a while and then applied to the affected eye for 5 to 10 minutes or so. Alternately, tea can be made using an herb known as “eyebright”. The tea should be allowed to cool for a while, before dipping a cotton pad or a ball of cotton in it. The excess tea should be squeezed out, before the cotton is applied to the affected eye and left on for a few minutes. The eye should not be rubbed.

Prevention:

  • Wash off any eye makeup especially before sleeping
  • Avoid using makeup such as eyeliner, mascara, and eye shadow when the cyst is present
  • Do not use contact lenses until the swelling disappears
  • A gentle eye massage may help reduce swelling and inflammation
  • Never pop or scratch the cyst in the hope of draining it faster
  • To prevent the glands from clogging, ensure that they are cleaned every day. Close the eyelids and apply cotton wool which is soaked in warm water to them repeatedly for a few minutes. Follow this by cleaning the grime and dirt from the edges of the lower eyelids. After two weeks, when the lids appear sufficiently clean, you can stop cleaning them. If the cysts reappear you have to revert to cleaning the eyelids again.
  • A diet that is rich in omega 3 or oil of flax seed as well as vegetables and fruits is highly recommended.
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