A chalazion , also known as a meibomian gland lipogranuloma, is a cyst in the eyelid that is caused by inflammation of a blocked meibomian gland,
usually on the upper eyelid. Chalazia differ from styes (hordeola) in that they are subacute and usually painless nodules. They may become acutely inflamed, but unlike a stye, chalazia usually sit inside the lid rather than on the lid margin.
Signs and symptoms
- Swelling on the eyelid
- Eyelid tenderness
- Sensitivity to light
- Increased tearing
- Heaviness of the eyelid
A chalazion or meibomian cyst can sometimes be mistaken for a stye.