Chalazion

Dear Dr.
i have this chalazion (searched the name on the internet) for several months now. i have been prescribed erythromycin oinment. but its kinda hard for me to use it properly. i have no other problem with having it but just the look. is the surgery safe?
i had it once ago on my upper eyelash for several months and it was gone by itself. so if i undergo surgery (sure if its 100% safe) how can i prevent having it again?

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
A chalazion is a cyst in the eyelid that is caused by inflammation of a blocked meibomian gland, usually on the upper eyelid. Sometimes they disappear spontaneously without any treatment and at other times, treatment may be required. It consists of steroid injections or surgical exceion and scraping after giving a local anesthesia. As with other surgeries, it is not without side effects which may consist of infection and damage to the healthy tissue (e.g. leaving behind scar tissue or possibly even causing blepharitis). Moreover it can recur but chances are less.
I hope it helps. Take care and God bless.