Do you have a lump on your eyelid that won't go away? It's probably a chalazion. At Altitude Optometry in Gatineau, our optometrists can assess your condition, prescribe the right treatment, and help you heal faster.

Swollen, painful eyelid or impaired vision? Our emergency eye care service in Gatineau is available 7 days a week.

What is a chalazion?

A chalazion is a small, rounded bump, usually painless, that forms on the upper or lower eyelid. It is caused by a blockage in a Meibomian gland—tiny glands located within the eyelid that produce the lipid (oily) layer of the tear film.

When one of these glands becomes blocked, secretions build up inside it and form a cyst. This cyst is not an infection; it is a chronic inflammatory reaction to sebum trapped in the gland. Chalazia are very common and affect people of all ages, including children.

A chalazion can be mistaken for a stye, but the two conditions are different. Although benign in the vast majority of cases, a chalazion that persists, grows larger, or recurs frequently should be evaluated by an optometrist in Gatineau.

What is the difference between a stye and a chalazion?

It is very common to confuse a chalazion with a stye. Here’s how to tell them apart:

Chalazion: A generally painless lump that develops slowly over several days or weeks. It is caused by a blockage of the Meibomian gland (not an infection). It usually appears slightly away from the edge of the eyelid and can persist for weeks or even months.

Orgelet: A painful, red bump that appears suddenly, often within a few hours. It is caused by a bacterial infection of an eyelash follicle or a gland along the edge of the eyelid. It looks like a small pimple or boil and is tender to the touch.

A stye can develop into a chalazion if the infection clears up but the gland remains blocked. If you’re not sure what the bump is, our optometrists in Gatineau can quickly diagnose it.

Symptoms of a chalazion

The symptoms of a chalazion vary depending on its size and how long it has been present:

Visible lump on the eyelid: A rounded, firm but not hard lump on the upper or lower eyelid. It is usually painless to the touch and may be about the size of a pea.

Localized swelling and redness: The area around the chalazion may be slightly swollen and red, especially in the first few days after it appears.

A feeling of heaviness or pressure: Some people experience discomfort or a sense of heaviness in the affected eyelid, without any actual pain.

Blurred vision: If the chalazion is located on the upper eyelid and grows to a significant size, it can put pressure on the cornea and cause temporary astigmatism, resulting in blurred vision.

Pain (rare) — A chalazion that becomes painful may indicate a secondary infection. In this case, it is recommended that you see an optometrist in Gatineau as soon as possible.

Causes of a chalazion

A chalazion is caused by a blocked Meibomian gland. Several factors increase the risk of developing this condition:

Blepharitis (inflammation of the eyelids): This is the most common cause. Chronic blepharitis causes inflammation along the edge of the eyelids, which can block the Meibomian glands. If you suffer from recurrent blepharitis, your risk of developing a chalazion is significantly higher.

Meibomian gland dysfunction: Some people naturally produce thicker, more viscous sebum, which makes it easier for the glands to become blocked. This condition is common in people with rosacea.

Chronic dry eye: Dry eye and Meibomian gland dysfunction are closely linked. Office workers in the Gatineau-Ottawa region who spend long hours in front of a screen are particularly at risk, as screen time reduces the frequency of blinking and affects the quality of the tear film.

Poor eyelid hygiene: Makeup that isn't removed properly, debris buildup on the eyelashes, or frequent contact between the hands and the eyes can contribute to blocked glands.

Stress and fatigue: Periods of intense stress and lack of sleep can weaken the immune system and contribute to inflammation of the eyelids.

Climate conditions: The dry air from indoor heating during Quebec’s long winters, combined with the cold outdoors, can exacerbate dry eye and Meibomian gland dysfunction, increasing the risk of chalazia for residents of Gatineau and the Outaouais region.

Diagnosis in Gatineau

A chalazion is quickly diagnosed and usually does not require any special tests. At Altitude Optometry in Gatineau, our optometrists perform:

Visual examination of the eyelid: This helps confirm the presence of a chalazion, assess its size, and distinguish it from a stye, a sebaceous cyst, or another lesion.

Slit-lamp examination: This allows for a detailed view of the eyelid, examination of the Meibomian glands, and assessment of whether the chalazion is putting pressure on the cornea.

Meibomian Gland Assessment: Our optometrists evaluate the overall function of your Meibomian glands to determine whether the chalazion is an isolated occurrence or a sign of chronic dysfunction requiring long-term monitoring.

Treatments for chalazia

Treatment depends on the size of the chalazion, how long you've had it, and your symptoms.

Home Care: First Line of Defense

In most cases, a chalazion can resolve on its own with regular home care:

Warm compresses: Apply a warm, damp compress to your closed eyelid for 10 to 15 minutes, 3 to 4 times a day. The heat helps break down the sebum trapped in the gland and promotes natural drainage. Use a clean washcloth soaked in warm water, or a reusable heating pad designed for the eyes.

Gently massage the eyelid: After each warm compress, gently massage the eyelid toward the edge of the eyelid to help unblock the gland. Use your fingertip with light pressure—never press hard on the chalazion.

Eyelid hygiene: Clean your eyelids daily with wipes or a cleansing foam designed for the eyelids. This helps prevent recurrence by keeping the Meibomian glands clear.

Important: Never try to lance or squeeze a chalazion yourself. Doing so can cause an infection, worsen the inflammation, or leave a scar.

Treatment by an optometrist in Gatineau

If the chalazion persists after 4 to 6 weeks of home care, or if it is particularly large or bothersome, our optometrists in Gatineau can help:

Cortisone ointment: A topical anti-inflammatory ointment applied to the eyelid to reduce inflammation and speed up the resolution of the chalazion. This is often sufficient for moderate cases that do not respond to warm compresses alone.

Cortisone injection: For larger or persistent chalazions, an ophthalmologist may administer a corticosteroid injection directly into the lesion. This procedure is quick and highly effective.

Surgical drainage (incision and curettage): As a last resort, if the chalazion does not resolve despite conservative treatments, an ophthalmologist may perform a minor surgical procedure to drain the contents of the gland. This is a minor procedure performed under local anesthesia. At Altitude Optometry in Gatineau, we refer you directly to the ophthalmologists we work with if this procedure is necessary.

Prevention of chalazions

If you have had a chalazion before, you are at a higher risk of it recurring. Here are the steps recommended by our optometrists in Gatineau:

Daily eyelid care: Clean your eyelids every day with a product designed for this purpose. This is the most important preventive measure, especially if you have blepharitis.

Regular warm compresses: Even if you don’t have a chalazion, applying a warm compress to your eyelids 1 to 2 times a week helps keep the Meibomian glands clear and functioning properly.

Remove your makeup every night: Make sure to completely remove all eye makeup before going to bed. Residue from mascara and eyeliner can clog the Meibomian glands.

Avoid touching your eyes: Wash your hands before touching your eyes or eyelids to reduce the risk of bacterial infection.

Follow the 20-20-20 rule: Prolonged screen time reduces the frequency of blinking and affects the quality of the tear film. Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds—this is especially important for office workers in the Gatineau-Ottawa region.

Use a humidifier in the winter: The dry air caused by indoor heating, which is typical of winters in the Gatineau region, contributes to dry eyes and Meibomian gland dysfunction.

Visit us regularly: An annual eye exam at Altitude Optometry in Gatineau can help detect and treat Meibomian gland dysfunction before it leads to a chalazion.

Frequently Asked Questions — Chalazion

Q: How long does a chalazion last?
A chalazion can last anywhere from a few weeks to several months. With proper treatment using warm compresses and massage, most chalazions resolve within 4 to 8 weeks. If yours persists beyond this time, consult our optometrists in Gatineau for more advanced treatment.

Q: Is a chalazion contagious?
No. A chalazion is not caused by an infection and is not contagious. You cannot pass it on to someone else, unlike some forms of conjunctivitis.

Q: My child has a chalazion—is that normal?
Yes, chalazions are common in children. The treatment is the same as for adults—warm compresses and eyelid hygiene. If the chalazion persists or if your child is experiencing significant discomfort, please schedule an appointment with our optometrists in Gatineau for an evaluation.

Q: Can a chalazion affect my vision?
In most cases, no. However, a large chalazion on the upper eyelid can put pressure on the cornea and cause temporary astigmatism, resulting in blurred vision. Vision returns to normal once the chalazion resolves.

Q: What is the difference between a chalazion and a stye?
A stye is caused by a bacterial infection—it is painful, red, and appears quickly. A chalazion is caused by a blocked gland—it is usually painless and develops slowly. A stye can develop into a chalazion. In both cases, our optometrists in Gatineau can help you.

See an optometrist in Gatineau for your chalazion

Do you have a lump on your eyelid that won’t go away, is getting bigger, or keeps coming back? Our optometrists at Altitude Optometry in Gatineau can evaluate your condition, prescribe the right treatment, and help you prevent it from happening again.

The clinic is located at 705 Davidson Street West, Suite 1, and is easily accessible from Hull, Aylmer, Templeton, Cantley, Buckingham, and Masson-Angers via Highway 50, Montée Paiement exit.