Eye cyst is a common occurrence and often harmless. Chalazion is the medical term of the cyst formed in the upper or lower eyelids. Small bumps can form on the corner of eyelid due to blockage of free flow of gland material. This causes swelling of eyelid leading to a chalazion. Chalazion is neither a tumor nor causes any changes in vision. It does not require any treatment and it often heals on its own. If the cyst does not disappear after few days it may lead to an infection causing pain and oozing of pus from the eyes. Under such condition treatment is required.
Eyelid Glands :
There are several glands in both upper and lower eyelids. These glands are called by various names like meibomian glands or tarsal glands or palpebral glands. As part of lubricating function, these glands secrete a thick fluid that gets deposited into the tear film. This fluid is known as sebum which is nothing but lubricating oil and little of mucus. You can find many tiny openings of sebaceous glands at the back of your eyelashes.
Eye Cyst Causes :
When the sebaceous glands of the eyelids get clogged by debris or other materials, it disrupts the normal flow of lubricating oil into the eyelashes. This eventually results in back-pressure causing swelling of gland. The walls of the gland get thickened due to repeated deposits which lead to inflammation. Debris material along with thick fluid gets piled up to form a chalazion or eyelid cyst.
- It is quite common for many people to develop eyelid cyst or chalazion. Many factors can trigger lumps or cysts formation in the eyelids.
- Dirt particles or debris can enter your eyes blocking the tiny openings of the glands that secrete oily glands. In due course the oil with mucus gets clogged in the pores leading to cyst formation.
- Staph bacteria can cause infection in the eyes leading to formation of eyelid cyst. Poor hygiene of eyes, rubbing of eyes often with fingers, frequent changing of cosmetics, using dirty eye-lenses and not removing the make-up before going to bed can cause accumulation of dirt inside the eyes causing chalazion.
- Blepharitis is a kind of eye infection that can induce cyst formation in the eyelids.