The eyes are probably one of the most sensitive parts of the human body. However, compared to the other parts of the body, the eyes are quite vulnerable to allergens and irritants. Unfortunately, even the slightest irritation could lead to eye problems that range from mild to severe. It is not uncommon for people to suffer from various types of eye infections, disorders and inflammation. One of the most common disorders affecting several people is the Eye cyst, also medically known as chalazion. A cyst in the eye can be described as a lump which affects either the upper or the lower eyelid. Consistency wise, a cyst in the eye could be firm, soft or filled with fluid. Other names for a cyst in the eye are tarsal cyst and conjunctival granuloma. A cyst in eyelid is usually referred to as a meibomian cyst.
The human eyelid contains about 30 to 40 miniscule glands, known as meibomian glands or tarsal glands, which help keep the eyes lubricated at all times. If these glands get blocked for any reason, they fail to produce their regular secretion, which can lead to a swelling or a lump in either the upper or the lower lid of the eye, which is known as the cyst on the eyelid.
There are several factors that could cause the tarsal glands in the eyelids to get clogged, because of which cysts in eyes or eyelids occur. Factors that could cause the blockage in these glands are:
Another one of the common cyst eyelid causes is the hardening of the eye secretions, near the opening of the eye, after they are produced. This does not stop the glands from producing sebum, due to which the lids may swell up and get inflamed. This is a very common occurrence with those people who are prone to dry skin problems. At times, the opening, which has already been clogged, gets infested with bacteria, which further leads to a bacterial infection. This leads to a hordeolum, which looks a lot like a pimple and is also tender to the touch. When this happens, though, the gland does not really get infected.
Several people mistake a cyst on the eyelid for a stye. However, both the eye afflictions are completely different. Apart from the swelling that is very visible on the eyelid or at time, even the eye, some of the common symptoms of cysts in eyes are pain, redness and swelling in the eyelid. The accompanying symptoms are usually present only for two or three days. However, the lump is usually evident, even after the pain, redness and swelling subside. The other eye cyst symptoms that can be seen are:
In most instances, a cyst on the eye or the eyelid subsides on its own, within a few days time. Most people tend to rely on home remedies for cyst on the eyelid treatment. The most effective eye cyst remedy is first cleaning the eye with water and a medicated soap or preferably a mild medicated cleansing agent. This should immediately be followed by the application of a warm compress to the eye. Even though this may cause a bit of discomfort initially, it eases the pain after a while and helps the eye to heal faster. For best results, this exercise should be carried out at least 5 or 6 times each day. 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. There are several herbal tea bags that are easily available at most health stores. 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.
In case the home remedies do not bring about effective results, then it may be necessary to consult a doctor for medical eye cyst treatment options. Doctors may often prescribe antibiotic eye drops and ointments to get rid of the cysts. For larger cysts, doctors may need to administer corticosteroid injections. However, since these steroids could lead to hypo-pigmentation, most people avoid going in for them.
In most people, the eye cysts get cured with medical cyst in the eyelid treatment options. However, in some rare instances, a cyst on the eyelid removal through surgical procedures may be required. Before the eye cyst surgery, doctors generally use local anesthesia to make the area numb. Then an incision is made in the area, through which the fluid that is present in the cyst is dispersed.
Although uncommon, it is also possible for a person to suffer from a dermoid cyst in the eye socket, i.e., next to the eye. When inspected, the cyst usually resembles a white mass in the eye. Some doctors advise patients to leave such cysts alone, as they do not really cause any problems. Moreover, the eye cyst removal and treatment options may not always be suitable for treating a cyst in the eyeball or eye socket. Therefore, it is best to consult a group of medical experts in such a situation and seek professional advice on the best course of action.
Our eyelids possess miniscule glands called the meibomian glands which are long sebaceous glands that lubricate the eyelids. When these glands are blocked, they are unable to produce their secretion which leads to a swelling or cyst in the eyelids. The cysts are also known as chalazion or meibomian cysts. It is important to remember that these cysts are nothing but tiny pouches of fluid. Regardless of the reason they are formed, the fluids need to be dispersed to ensure that there is no possibility of an infection. Most of these cysts are harmless and tend to disappear in a few weeks. The ideal way to treat a cyst is to wash it about five or six times a day with warm water and preferably with a gentle medicated soap. Since there is a possibility of the soap irritating the eye, a mild medicated cleansing agent could be used instead. This should be followed by the application of warm compresses to the affected eye, which may smart the eye initially, but should ease out after a while. Your general practitioner may also prescribe an antibiotic cream which can be applied externally to resolve the cyst.
Rarely do cysts require surgery to resolve them. If the lump is very big or if it persists after weeks of medication, then surgery maybe required. The eyelid is made numb with a local anesthetic and the fluid in the cysts is dispersed by making an incision.
For those who frequently develop cysts, prevention is the best cure. 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. Using a teaspoonful of baking soda in the water too has been known to help. If the cysts still persists or continue to develop, it may be best to visit your general practitioner who can prescribe an antibiotic cream to be used for three to four months. Needless to say, a healthy diet goes a long way in reducing the chances of developing cysts. A diet that is rich in omega 3 or oil of flaxseed as well as vegetables and fruits is highly recommended.