Related articles: Calazio
Definition
Calazio is an inflammation on a non-infectious basis of the meibomian glands. These structures are arranged transversely in the lower and upper eyelids, where they contribute to producing the oily layer of the tear film. If the excretory ducts of the meibomian glands located on the eyelid margin become occluded, the extravasation of lipid compounds takes place in the surrounding soft tissues of the eyelid; this determines the characteristic palpebral swelling.
Calazi are often associated with chronic blepharitis.
Most common symptoms and signs *
- blepharoptosis
- Conjunctivitis
- Ocular pain
- Fotofobia
- Eyelid swelling
- Nodule
- Eyes reddened
- Ocular secretion
- Blurred vision
Further indications
The chalazion is characterized by the sudden appearance of a focal (circumscribed) swelling of the eyelid, in correspondence with the gland involved in the infection; besides being swollen, the eyelid is affected by hyperemia, which makes it reddened. Over time, the chalazion tends to become a roundish nodule which, unlike the stye, is painless. Usually, this swelling ends up purging on the inner surface of the eyelid, emptying, or spontaneously regresses in 2-8 weeks.
A chalazion can cause mild inflammation of the conjunctiva, blurred vision and, if large, can cause eye pain. Diagnosis is based on clinical evaluation.
During the first 2 days, a chalazion can be indistinguishable from the stye (acute inflammation of the meibomian glands on an infectious basis); the latter, besides being painful, can be associated with the secretion of pus.
If the swelling is located in the lower eyelid near the inner song, a dacryocystitis (inflammation of the lacrimal sac) must be excluded.
To speed up healing, the application of warm compresses may be helpful. On the other hand, when calazi are large and refractory to treatment, the incision (followed by surgical cleansing) or intralesional injection of corticosteroids can be performed.
Chronic calazi, not responsive to treatment, require a biopsy to rule out possible eyelid tumor.
