Advice after your nerve block for surgery
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Introduction
Meibomian cysts or Chalazia are granulomas (chronic inflammations) of the meibomian glands in the lids. The normal function of the meibomian glands is to produce an oily layer which covers the watery tears so slowing down their evaporation and keeping the eyes moist.
Inadequate lid hygiene often causing dry and gritty eye or redness on waking, and buildup of oily material may even lead to meibomian cyst forming in these glands or inflammation of the eyelids.
Conservative therapy should be tried first to help spontaneous resolution of the cyst. This involves applications of hot compresses. If insufficient response, a minor operation may be required.
Hot compress
Hot compress can be used for several purposes:
- To help resolve a chalazion.
- To improve the health of the lids to prevent a chalazion.
- To manage blepharitis which is a condition that can predispose to recurrent chalazia.
To do this, heat a flannel with hot water (the water should be hot, but comfortable and not scalding), hold it over the closed eye with slight pressure. Sometimes the warmth and slight pressure is enough to release the contents of the cyst, and it is cured. Hot compress may be applied for up to 10 minutes, usually 2 times per day. Other more convenient hot compresses which may retain heat for longer can be purchased over the counter at the chemist, e.g. microwavable heat masks or heated gel-based heat masks which are placed in a cloth pouch to go over the eyes.
The operation
The operation is a minor one and is performed in the Eye Treatment Centre under local anesthetic. Anaesthetic drops are put in the eye and local anaesthetic is injected into the lid.
A clamp is put on the lid to minimize bleeding while the cyst is cut open and the contents being scooped out. The clamp is then removed, ointment applied and the eye firmly padded.
After the operation
You will be given a tube of ointment to take home.
Leave the pad on until the next morning, and clean the lids with cooled boiled water after the pad is removed.
Apply the ointment 3 times daily inside the eyelid or as the doctor’s instructions. If, at the end of this time, you have any of the ointment left, throw it away.
After about 2 weeks, start hot bathing and lid hygiene following the instructions.
Will it happen again?
For most people a chalazion occurs just once. However, some people are prone to develop them and it may recur. You may be able to prevent it from recurring by using a hot compress on the eyelids and massaging the eyelids each morning.
If you have any concerns after your operation, please contact the staff in the eye treatment centre on the following numbers:
|
From 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday: |
0300 373 5884 |
| From 5pm to 9am and at weekends: |
0300 614 5000 and ask for the eye doctor on call |
Contact us
If you have any queries relating to this information, please contact the Ophthalmology service.
About this information
Service:
Ophthalmology
Reference:
QQ/002
Approval date:
2 August 2024
Review date:
1 July 2027
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Important note
This page provides general information only. It is developed by clinical staff and is reviewed regularly every 3 years for accuracy. For personal advice about your health, or if you have any concerns, please speak to your doctor.