Introduction

If your eyelid remains red or swollen after 3-4 days of warm towel compresses, contact your ophthalmologist, a specialized eye doctor.

Contact your ophthalmologist immediately if you have recurrent eyelid swelling or experience any of the following:

• Fever
• Headaches
• Changes in vision (e.g., blurred or decreased vision)
• Eye pain or drainage
• Severe swelling or redness
• If one eye has both upper and lower eyelid swelling
• If both eyes are swollen

If you have the above symptoms and can't reach your ophthalmologist, seek help at a hospital's emergency department.

Self-Care at Home

Using warm, wet towels on the eyelid for 10-15 minutes, 2-4 times a day, can reduce swelling.

Gently massage the area several times a day.

Do not attempt to "pop" or scratch the chalazion.

Outlook

Typically, a chalazion disappears within a couple of weeks without long-term consequences. If it persists or recurs, your ophthalmologist will evaluate whether surgical removal of the lump is necessary. The lump is rarely associated with an infection or a form of skin Cancer.