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New Braunfels eye care

Chalazion and eyelid lumps and bumps in New Braunfels, TX

Most eyelid bumps are harmless and very treatable. A chalazion is a blocked oil gland that forms a firm lump; a stye is a tender infected gland at the lash line.

What it can look like

What is chalazion & eyelid bumps?

Your eyelids contain dozens of tiny oil glands (meibomian glands) that keep tears healthy. When one becomes blocked, oil builds up and forms a firm, usually painless lump called a chalazion. A stye (hordeolum) is a red, tender bump caused by an infected gland, often at the edge of the lid.

Other common lid bumps include milia, cysts, xanthelasma (yellowish cholesterol deposits), papillomas and skin tags. Rarely, a lid growth can be a skin cancer, such as a basal cell carcinoma, which is why a bump that bleeds, keeps returning or causes lash loss should always be examined.

Swelling that spreads to the whole lid or cheek, fever, or pain with eye movement can mean a spreading infection (cellulitis). Call the same day.

Chalazion & eyelid bumps care in New Braunfels

Patients come to our New Braunfels office at 457 Landa St, Suite F for chalazion & eyelid bumps care from Gruene, Canyon Lake, Garden Ridge, Bulverde, Spring Branch, Schertz and across New Braunfels. Dr. Kavanagh has cared for New Braunfels patients since 2001: 25 years of excellent eye care. New Braunfels patients have surgery a short drive away, at GRMC Outpatient in Seguin or at one of three San Antonio surgery centers.

Symptoms

  • A firm, round lump in the upper or lower lid
  • Redness, swelling or tenderness (stye)
  • Blurred vision if a large chalazion presses on the eye
  • A bump that keeps coming back in the same spot

Risk factors

  • Blepharitis and meibomian gland dysfunction
  • Rosacea or oily skin
  • Previous chalazia
  • Eye makeup left on overnight

How we evaluate it

A slit-lamp exam shows whether a bump is a chalazion, stye, cyst or something that needs a biopsy. Bumps that look unusual, bleed, or return in the same place are removed and sent for testing.

Treatment options

Warm compresses and lid massageSeveral times a day for one to two weeks helps many chalazia drain on their own.
Lid hygieneTreating blepharitis helps prevent new bumps.
Steroid injectionA small in-office injection can shrink a stubborn chalazion.
Incision and drainageA quick in-office procedure under local anesthetic, done from the inside of the lid so there is no visible scar.
Excision and biopsyFor lid growths that are unusual or recurrent, so they can be examined under a microscope.

Dr. Kavanagh and our team see patients for chalazion & eyelid bumps at our New Braunfels office and across South Texas. Every plan is tailored to your eyes after an exam.

For educational purposes. This page explains common conditions and treatments to help you prepare for your visit. Your exam determines the right plan for your eyes.

Questions

Common questions

Is a chalazion contagious?

No. It is a blocked oil gland, not an infection you can spread.

Will it leave a scar?

Chalazion drainage is usually done from the inside of the eyelid, so there is no visible scar.

Questions about chalazion & eyelid bumps? We're here in New Braunfels.

Call 830-379-3937 Book