Chalazion

Chalazion is a cyst in the eyelid that is caused by inflammation of a blocked meibomian gland, usually on the upper eyelid. Chalazions differ from styes (hordeolums) in that they are usually painless apart from the tenderness caused when they swell up, and in size (chalazia tend to be larger than styes). A chalazion may eventually disappear on its own after a few months, though more often than not, some treatment is necessary. This appears to be a sty on the eyelid, but it is not. After several days, the swelling and pain disappears. But a slow growing pea-sized nodule remains on the lid.


Causes: A chalazion is the result of plugged meibomian glands in the eyelid, resulting from a nutritional deficiency.

Natural remedies for chalazion:

• Take vitamin A in the form of beta carotene (at least 50,000 units per day) for many days. Also drink carrot juice, and eat green and yellow vegetables. Include a zinc supplement in the diet (15 mg, 3 times a day).
• Apply warm poultices of 3% boric acid on the closed lid. A boric acid ophthalmic ointment may be obtained without prescription from the pharmacy.