Chalazion /Stye
Chalazion:
The tear film in front of the eye has four layers. The
outermost is the oily layer which is produced by a number of
glands in the upper and lower lids.
This oily secretion is important in delaying tear evaporation
which in turn can lead to dryness of the eye.
Inflammation of the eyelid margin can occasionally lead to
obstruction of the opening of these glands. The material
secreted is therefore accumulated as a lump in the upper or
lower lid.
A period of medical treatment with a lid scrub and antibiotic
scrub is advised which can lead to a resolution.
How to do lid scrub (lid hygiene):
This is best done when in the shower and needs to be done
twice a day. Boil
some water, put a cotton bud in the boiled water and apply a
drop of neat baby shampoo to the tip of the cotton applicator,
stand in front of the mirror and scrub the area of the lump with
the cotton bud for about two minutes. Dilute the baby shampoo if
you prefer. Alternatively you can put a tea spoonful of
bicarbonate soda in a pint of boiled water and apply in the same
manner as the baby shampoo.
Now take another bud and apply the antibiotic ointment onto the
bud and scrub it into the lid margin in the area of the lump.
If however these simple measures have not worked surgery is then
required.
The operation is normally done in a minor op room. A small
amount of local anaesthetic is injected and a clamp is applied.
A small incision is made on the inner surface of the lump and
the cheesy oily material is scooped out. No sutures are
required. The eye is padded for a few hours. You should not
drive while the pad is on.
You will be asked to apply an antibiotic ointment to the eye for
a week. You can shower, but do not swim for the first few days.
Usually no follow up appointment is required although it is
important that you use lid hygiene for the prevention of any
further chalazions.
Recurrences are treated in the same way.
Stye:
Here the oily gland at the root of the lash hair follicle is
inflamed.
It is often referred to as an external hordeolum as apposed to
an internal hordeolum (chalazion). The management is the same as
a chalazion except that the lump might have to be excised from
the surface of the eyelid.
Recurrences in the same area or elsewhere are common. In this
instance a six week course of oral antibiotics might be helpful,
particularly if there are signs of Acne Rosacea.
Patients with Acne Rosacea develop a bluish tint to the nose and
have a rather flushed rosy face. The flushing is exaggerated
after drinking a glass of wine, eating spicy food or exposure to
the sun.
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