Curriculum · ENT, Ophthalmology, and Dermatology
Chalazion
What it is
A chalazion is a chronic granulomatous inflammation of the Meibomian gland, often preceded by an internal hordeolum. Put another way, it is a sterile, chronic inflammation that results from a blocked Meibomian gland. Infection of the glands of the eyelid is the hordeolum, not the chalazion.
How it presents
The history is chronic. Acute inflammatory signs are usually absent, so the lesion is chronic, painless and not red, and it is hard and nontender. Lid swelling is what is seen.