Chalazion Surgery

If you examine the internal structure of the eyes, then on the back of the eyelids, there are tiny organs called meibomian cyst, these help in the production of oily fluid that is an integral part of tears. These meibomian glands have ducts or pipes that drain this oily fluid. Chalazion occurs when these pipes are blocked leading to the accumulation of oily secretion in the gland, making it bigger. The name chalazion is derived from the Greek word meaning hailstone and the lump under the eyelid is popularly known as chalazion. Medically, chalazion is known as meibomian cyst and it can develop either on the surface of both or one of the eyelids. Chalazion grows over a period of few weeks and is generally not considered to cause any problems. Chalazion has found to affect adults more than children and is commonly found to occur in both sexes. When the meibomian cyst or chalazion gets infected, it becomes red and swollen.

Information on Chalazion Surgery
It is a simple surgical procedure that helps in the removal of the chalazion cyst. It is a simple, one day operation and the patient can return home by the end of the day. During the operation the doctor first administers local anesthesia by giving an injection into the eyelid. Anesthetic creams are also preferred for patients who feel uncomfortable with the idea of an injection. The chalazion is removed when the doctor lifts the back surface of eyelid and makes a small cut of about 3mm on the top of chalazion. The cyst is then removed and some pressure is applied on the cysts so that there is no blood flow after the operation. Generally, stitches are not needed in this surgery as the cut is small and is at the back of the eyelid. To detect the threat of cancerous cyst, the removed cyst is sent for tests.

Recovery
After the surgery, patients experience minor discomfort so people going for this surgery can be assured of the fact that this surgery has no side effects. The healing time can be nearly 10 days or at the most 2 weeks. The aftercare involves the following points:

• Immediate discomfort is managed by medications
• Washing/taking shower is allowed however eyes must be kept away from water contact for at least 10 days.
• Avoid make up on eyelids for a period of one month. Even avoid make up on face, just as a precautionary measure.
• When you are allowed to go home (after one day), you'll be given eye drops and medications, you are expected to take them timely.
• Any stitches in the eyelid (in some cases) are removed 7-10 days after the surgery.

At home, you need to be cautious so that you don't cause any harm to the eyes. Some tips to take care of the operation eye(s) is/are as follows

• The eyes will be protected by some padding and they can be removed after five to six hours of the operation.
• Driving is allowed with glasses that you will be given to wear after the operation.
• Working in very bright light must be avoided however you can resume working in normal light after one or two days.

Surgery Risks

Though it is not associated with a lot of risks, there are some things that can affect the patients eyes like swelling minor bleeding can occur after the operation. In some cases, eye infection can be a cause of concern, though it is can be treated with the help of antibiotic drops. Very rarely, the chalazion becomes extremely red and bumpy, causing severe discomfort to the eyes.

Prevention
Chalazion is mostly developed due to poor care of the eyes leading to infections. Proper cleaning of the eyes can help in the preventing the development of chalazion. Washing eyes after coming from the outdoors, with slightly cold water, is a good habit to avoid infections. People who are more prone to chalazion must understand that they've to take proper eye care so that the chances of chalazion recurring frequently are lessened.

In children, this surgery is complete within 20 to 30 minutes and if children experience discomfort like tiredness even after a day of the surgery, then medication can solve the problem. Its cost depends on the type of clinic you choose and generally it can range from USD 30 to 50. Anybody having chalazion must discuss the operational procedure with his doctor so that he can be assured of all the risks associated with this.