What Happens If a Chalazion Is Left Untreated?

If a chalazion is left untreated, it may resolve on its own over time, but it can also persist, grow larger, and potentially lead to more significant vision problems due to pressure on the eye.

A chalazion is a common, non-infectious, usually painless lump that forms on the eyelid due to a blocked oil gland (meibomian gland). While many chalazia are benign and disappear without intervention, it's important to understand the various outcomes if they are not treated.

Common Outcomes of an Untreated Chalazion

The course of an untreated chalazion can vary significantly from person to person.

• Spontaneous Resolution: Many chalazia, particularly smaller ones, may resolve on their own within a few weeks to months. This often occurs as the blocked oil gland naturally drains, or the body reabsorbs the trapped oil. Applying warm compresses can often help speed up this process by encouraging drainage.
• Persistence: Some chalazia may not resolve and instead persist as a small, firm, and painless lump on the eyelid. While not painful, a persistent chalazion can be a cosmetic concern for some individuals.
• Growth and Complications: If a chalazion continues to grow larger or doesn't resolve on its own, this seemingly minor issue can lead to more serious problems as it puts pressure on the eye's surface.

Potential Complications If a Chalazion Grows

A growing chalazion can exert pressure on the delicate structures of the eye, particularly the cornea, leading to specific vision disturbances.

Pressure on the Cornea

As the chalazion expands, it can press against the cornea, which is the clear, outermost layer at the front of your eye. The cornea is crucial for focusing light onto the retina, and any distortion can impact vision quality.

Temporary Astigmatism

The pressure from a growing chalazion on the cornea can induce temporary astigmatism. Astigmatism is an imperfection in the curvature of your eye's lens or cornea, which causes blurred distance and near vision. When caused by a chalazion, it's usually reversible once the pressure is relieved. For more information on astigmatism, you can refer to resources like the American Academy of Ophthalmology.

Blurry Vision

A direct consequence of chalazion-induced astigmatism and corneal distortion is blurry vision. This blurring can range from mild to significant, affecting daily activities like reading, driving, or recognizing faces. The blurriness will typically subside once the chalazion shrinks or is removed, relieving the pressure on the cornea.

When to Seek Medical Attention

While many chalazia can be managed at home, it's advisable to consult an eye care professional if:

• The chalazion is growing rapidly or does not show signs of improvement after several weeks of home treatment (e.g., warm compresses).
• It is causing pain, redness, swelling, or tenderness, which could indicate an infection.
• You experience changes in your vision, such as blurriness or distortion.
• The chalazion is very large and is causing significant cosmetic concern or discomfort.
• You have recurrent chalazia, which might indicate an underlying eyelid condition.

For more general information about chalazia and their management, you can consult reputable sources such as the Mayo Clinic.

Summary of Untreated Chalazion Outcomes: