Incision and Drainage of a Chalazion

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What is a Chalazion?

A chalazion is formed from a blockage of the meibomian glands in the eyelids and is commonly seen in blepharitis. The blockage creates a round bump in the eyelid that can often last several months and is a cosmetic concern.  These can be drained in the office, for adults, or under anaesthetic in children.  

What is the chalazion drainage procedure?

Here we take you through the chalazion drainage procedure. The goal of the procedure is to open the meibomian glands on the inside of the lid so that the blocked material can be expressed and drained.

1. Chalazion lump visible in the outer aspect of the left upper eyelid
2. Local anaesthetic is injected above the tarsus (the part of the lid which contains meibomian glands)
3. A chalazion clamp is placed around the chalazion to control bleeding and to evert the eyelid.
4. A blade is carefully used to incise the blocked meibomian glands.
5. A chalazion curette is used to express the contents of the blocked meibomian glands


6. The chalazion is successfully drained and a pressure patch will be placed for 1 hour on the eye to stop bleeding.  

What to expect after having a chalazion incised and drained?

It is normal to have blood-tinged tears or a little drainage from the site for a few days and your surgeon will likely give you an ointment or a drop to help with healing.  The skin changes caused by the chalazion can take several weeks to resolve.  Sometimes several glands are involved and a persistent bump is felt.  If this doesn’t resolve within a few weeks, then the procedure could be repeated.

Cataract surgery wait times

Wait times for cataract surgery are updated quarterly, with wait 1 representing how long it takes in days to get in to see the surgeon in the office, and wait 2, how long it takes after that to get in for surgery.
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