Toddler w/chalazion

[ashlee_nicole4406]

I'm curious about chalazions (sp?) I took my daughter (3 years old) to our local optomologist a couple of weeks ago and she said the bump on her eye is a chalazion (internal!) This is the 3rd one she's had since Christmas time last year! I've been reading online and I've saw where some toddlers have had surgery to have theirs removed and I'm wondering what would warrant having it removed? Like, what are the medical reasons to have it removed and what are the pros or cons for surgery or just leaving it be? I want to do what's best for her but I'm so confused! Any help/advice will be greatly appreciated!

And, also, I've tried the warm compresses, but she's a typical 3yo and won't sit still very long so what are some other things I can do to speed up the healing?

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS, FAAO]

You're welcome JCH MD

[ashlee_nicole4406]

Thank you so much! You answered the one question that I meant to ask but forgot to actually ask... I was wondering if she had surgery to remove it, if that would prevent future ones so thank you! I'm going to look in the archives now, too!

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS, FAAO]

This topic has been throroughly discussed. Use the search feature ad archvies to read about chalazia and blepharitis.  Downside is it regirures general anesthesia and does nothing about another one developing.

Use a foam eyelid cleaner 2-3 times week such as ocusoft or steritears theralid foam eyelid cleaners. Over the country no RX needed.

discuss with your eye me ophthalmologist using an ointment at bedtine such as erythrmycin or new drop azasite.

JCH MD

[ashlee_nicole4406]

And I've also been washing it with baby soap when she takes her bath!