Oculoplastic Surgery
Eyelid Cyst Removal (Chalazion & Meibomian Cyst)
- Fast-tracked appointments available
- 0% finance
What Are Eyelid Cysts?
Overview
Eyelid cysts are among the most common conditions seen in oculoplastic practice. They typically arise from blockage of the meibomian glands — small sebaceous glands embedded within the eyelid that produce the oily layer of the tear film. When one of these glands becomes obstructed, the secretion it produces has no outlet and accumulates, forming a firm lump beneath the skin of the eyelid.
While most eyelid cysts are entirely benign, they can cause cosmetic concern, press on the eye to induce temporary changes in vision, or become chronically inflamed. Any eyelid lump that is growing rapidly, bleeding, or causing lash loss should be assessed by a specialist promptly.
Understanding Eyelid Lumps
Chalazion (Meibomian cyst)
A blocked meibomian gland that becomes chronically inflamed, forming a firm, round granuloma slightly away from the lid margin. Not usually painful, but larger cysts can press on the cornea and cause temporary blurred vision.
Stye (hordeolum)
An acute infection at the eyelid margin — typically red, tender and painful. Most resolve with warm compresses and don't need drainage. A stye that doesn't settle, or recurs in the same spot, should be assessed.
Other eyelid lesions
Sebaceous cysts, milia and xanthelasma (cholesterol deposits). Any lesion that grows rapidly, has an irregular border, bleeds, or causes lash loss should be assessed urgently to exclude malignancy.
Conservative Treatment: The Warm Compress
Many small chalazia resolve with consistent conservative management. Applying a warm compress to the affected eyelid for five to ten minutes, three to four times daily, softens the inspissated secretion within the blocked gland and, combined with gentle lid massage, can encourage natural drainage. Lid hygiene products such as specialist eyelid wipes or dilute baby shampoo may be recommended alongside this to manage any underlying blepharitis.
However, you should seek specialist review if the cyst has been present for more than six to eight weeks without improvement, is large or affecting your vision, occurs recurrently in the same location, or has an atypical appearance.
Surgical & Non-Surgical Treatment
Surgical drainage
Surgical removal of a chalazion is a minor procedure performed under local anaesthetic as an outpatient appointment at Cathedral Eye Clinic. The procedure typically takes 10 to 15 minutes.
The eyelid is anaesthetised with a small injection and then everted using a small clamp to expose its inner surface. A small incision is made on the conjunctival (inner) surface of the lid — meaning there is no visible external scar — and the contents of the cyst are carefully curetted. Where the cyst is very superficial or has pointed anteriorly through the skin, a small external approach may be used instead.
Occasionally the cyst is not be completely removed or a second cyst is present, which wasn’t noted preop, requiring a further procedure.
Intralesional steroid injection
For smaller chalazia, or in patients who prefer to avoid a surgical incision, an intralesional corticosteroid injection may be considered. A small volume of steroid is injected directly into the cyst, reducing the inflammatory response and encouraging resolution. This approach is particularly useful for superficial chalazia in the upper eyelid where a skin incision might leave a visible mark, and for patients with a history of keloid scarring. It is less reliably effective than surgical drainage for large or chronic cysts.
Meet your Surgeon
Mr Sri Kamalarajah
Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon & Glaucoma Specialist
Mr Sri Kamalarajah is a Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon with a specialist interest in oculoplastic, lacrimal and orbital surgery.
With over 20 years of experience in the field, he brings a wealth of expertise to every procedure he performs at Cathedral Eye Clinic.
Your Patient Journey at Cathedral Eye Clinic
Detailed Consultation
At your consultation, Mr Kamalarajah will examine the eyelid lump and discuss the most appropriate treatment options with you. He will explain what each treatment involves, answer any questions you may have, and recommend a management plan tailored to your individual needs. If treatment is recommended, this can usually be arranged promptly.
Procedure
Chalazion removal is performed as a minor operation in the clinic under local anaesthetic and takes around 10-15minutes, this usually takes place during your initial consultation. You will be comfortable throughout. The procedure is very well tolerated and the vast majority of patients are pleasantly surprised by how straightforward it is. You will leave with antibiotic ointment and written aftercare instructions, and a follow-up appointment will be arranged.
Aftercare & Follow-Up
Most patients recover quickly following chalazion surgery. Some bruising and swelling around the eyelid is expected for five to seven days, and antibiotic ointment is applied for a short post-operative period. A follow-up appointment is not usually required. Our team is available to assist with any concerns during your recovery.
Lovely welcoming staff, all rooms immaculate and unexpectedly got a chazalion cyst removed straight after my first appointment... Feeling more comfortable already in spite of it just being done! Clear typed instructions sent home with me also.
Verified Patient · Doctify
Investment in your Vision
Cost & Payment Options
At Cathedral Eye Clinic, we believe clear and honest pricing is essential when planning your care.
0% finance available
Initial Consultation
£225
Includes a comprehensive assessment with one of our specialist consultants.
Eyelid Cyst Removal
from £400 per eye (Minor Operation)
Making Treatment Accessible
To make treatment more accessible, we offer interest-free finance options , allowing you to spread the cost over manageable monthly instalments.
Contact our team to discuss personalised pricing and finance options tailored to your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need surgery to remove a chalazion, or will it go away on its own?
Will there be a visible scar after eyelid cyst surgery?
Can I have a chalazion removed on the NHS?
I keep getting chalazia — why does this keep happening?
How long does it take to recover from chalazion surgery?
What problems can occur after surgery?
Your surgeon may have also under- or overcorrected your condition, which may resolve over time. If it does not improve, you may need a small adjustment operation.
Other complications of ptosis surgery include:
- Bleeding from the wound.
- Surgical site infection.
- Damage to your cornea.
- Incomplete or abnormal closure of your eyelids – can cause dry eye.
- Recurrent (returning) ptosis.
