In addition to all the good advice that has been shared before this, I would like to highlight that a very common underlying cause of recurrent chalazions, that most people (even Doctors) overlook, is Demodex blepharitis.
Demodex is a microscopic eyelash mite (the scientific names for these that infest humans are Demodex Folliculorum and Demodex Brevis). Demodex tends to cluster at the eyelash roots and thus lead to blockage of the sebaceous glands which in turn lead to chalazion formation.
A large majority of patients I’ve seen with recurrent chalazions actually have untreated Demodex infestation of their eyelids. After appropriate treatment with anti-parasitic eye cream and anti-Demodex eyelid scrubs, there is no further recurrence of chalazions. There is however, a risk of getting Demodex infection in future if Demodex contamination occurs again.
How do you know if you have Demodex? Usually, Demodex will give rise to symptoms such itchy eyes, whitish discharge and subtle eyelid redness. Under the slit lamp, the eye doctor can see cylindrical deposits at the eyelash roots. To clinch the diagnosis for sure, usually I remove a single incriminating eyelash and inspect it under a microscope to visualise the Demodex mites.
If you are still troubled by recurrent episodes of chalazion formation, do get to the root of the problem by getting checked for Demodex mites under the microscope.
From experience, I’ve noticed that people with recurrent Demodex infection tend to travel frequently and tend to rub their eyes with their hands frequently. Demodex mites that are picked up by our hands from contaminated surfaces may be transmitted to our eyes through touch. The best way to prevent Demodex infection is to avoid touching your eyes with unclean hands.
Eradicating Demodex is easy with good medication and advice from your ophthalmologist. Don’t wait to get your eyelids checked!
I hope that this was helpful to you!
