San Antonio eye care
Chalazion and eyelid lumps and bumps in San Antonio, TX
Most eyelid bumps are harmless and very treatable. A chalazion is a blocked oil gland that forms a firm lump; a stye is a tender infected gland at the lash line.
What is chalazion & eyelid bumps?
Your eyelids contain dozens of tiny oil glands (meibomian glands) that keep tears healthy. When one becomes blocked, oil builds up and forms a firm, usually painless lump called a chalazion. A stye (hordeolum) is a red, tender bump caused by an infected gland, often at the edge of the lid.
Other common lid bumps include milia, cysts, xanthelasma (yellowish cholesterol deposits), papillomas and skin tags. Rarely, a lid growth can be a skin cancer, such as a basal cell carcinoma, which is why a bump that bleeds, keeps returning or causes lash loss should always be examined.
Swelling that spreads to the whole lid or cheek, fever, or pain with eye movement can mean a spreading infection (cellulitis). Call the same day.
Chalazion & eyelid bumps care in San Antonio
Patients come to our San Antonio – Medical Center office at 10935 Wurzbach Rd, Suite 202 for chalazion & eyelid bumps care from Stone Oak, Alamo Heights, Shavano Park, Leon Valley, Helotes, Universal City and across San Antonio. With three San Antonio offices (Medical Center, North Central and South), there is usually one close to home or work. Dr. Kavanagh operates at three San Antonio surgery centers, plus GRMC Outpatient in Seguin.
Symptoms
- A firm, round lump in the upper or lower lid
- Redness, swelling or tenderness (stye)
- Blurred vision if a large chalazion presses on the eye
- A bump that keeps coming back in the same spot
Risk factors
- Blepharitis and meibomian gland dysfunction
- Rosacea or oily skin
- Previous chalazia
- Eye makeup left on overnight
How we evaluate it
A slit-lamp exam shows whether a bump is a chalazion, stye, cyst or something that needs a biopsy. Bumps that look unusual, bleed, or return in the same place are removed and sent for testing.
Treatment options
Dr. Kavanagh and our team see patients for chalazion & eyelid bumps at our San Antonio office and across South Texas. Every plan is tailored to your eyes after an exam.
For educational purposes. This page explains common conditions and treatments to help you prepare for your visit. Your exam determines the right plan for your eyes.
Questions
Common questions
Is a chalazion contagious?
No. It is a blocked oil gland, not an infection you can spread.
Will it leave a scar?
Chalazion drainage is usually done from the inside of the eyelid, so there is no visible scar.
Related conditions
