---
title: "Chalazion | Eye Health Guide"
description: "What a chalazion is, how it differs from a stye, and how warm compresses help this usually painless eyelid lump settle at home."
url: https://eyehealthguide.org/conditions/chalazion/
source: Eye Health Guide
licence: "General information only. Cite the URL and the named medical reviewer."
---

Condition

# Chalazion

Medical reviewer [Mr Mohamed Mohyudin](https://eyehealthguide.org/reviewers/mohamed-mohyudin/)· Last recorded site review July 6, 2026

### About this review

This page inherits the site’s previous review record. A separate, current article sign-off has not yet been recorded.

[How review works](https://eyehealthguide.org/reviewers/) · [Official biography & credentials](https://mohamedmohyudin.co.uk/author/mohamed-mohyudin/)

Quick answer

A chalazion is a usually painless lump in the eyelid caused by a blocked oil gland. It is common and harmless, and most clear up over a few weeks with warm compresses. Unlike a stye, it is not usually painful or infected.

### On this page ⌄

1. Your next step
2. What it is
3. Common symptoms
4. Causes and risk factors
5. Treatment and self-care
6. Related conditions
7. Related symptoms
8. Frequently asked questions

## What it is

A chalazion is a firm lump that forms in the eyelid when one of the small oil glands becomes blocked. It is usually painless, although it can start as a tender swelling. It is harmless but can take several weeks to clear.

## Common symptoms

A chalazion usually affects one eyelid.

- A firm, usually painless lump in the eyelid
- Mild swelling or redness when it first appears
- A lump that grows slowly over days to weeks
- Occasionally blurred vision if it is large and presses on the eye

## Causes and risk factors

A chalazion is caused by a blocked oil (meibomian) gland in the eyelid. It is more common in people who have blepharitis or skin conditions such as rosacea.

## Treatment and self-care

Warm compresses held against the eyelid for 5 to 10 minutes several times a day, followed by gentle massage, help the blockage clear. Most settle without further treatment. A persistent or large chalazion may need a minor procedure or injection, so see a clinician if it does not improve.

## Related conditions

## Related symptoms

## Frequently asked questions

### What is the difference between a chalazion and a stye?

A stye is usually a painful, infected lump at the lash line, while a chalazion is a usually painless lump further from the edge caused by a blocked oil gland. A stye can sometimes turn into a chalazion.

### How long does a chalazion take to go away?

Many clear within a few weeks with warm compresses, but some take longer. A lump that persists may need to be assessed by a clinician.

### Should I squeeze a chalazion?

No. Squeezing can cause damage or infection. Use warm compresses and gentle massage instead, and seek advice if it does not settle.

Your next step

## Take this to your appointment

Write down what has changed, when it started, your current medicines and the questions you want answered. Take these to your eye-care appointment.

Sudden loss of sight, severe eye pain or a dark curtain across vision needs immediate assessment. Do not wait to complete a worksheet.

## Sources for this information

These references support the information on this page. Follow the linked source for its full context.

- [Chalazion - Moorfields Eye Hospital](https://www.moorfields.nhs.uk/eye-conditions/chalazion)