A chalazion is a firm, usually painless lump in the eyelid caused by a blocked meibomian (oil) gland. Many resolve over a few weeks with warm compresses and lid hygiene. When a chalazion persists, recurs or is large, it can be drained with a quick incision-and-curettage procedure under local anaesthetic — taking about 10–15 minutes as a minor day case. Sapphire Eye Care lists curettage of an eyelid lesion from £460 and an initial consultation from £240.
What is a chalazion?
A chalazion (sometimes called a meibomian cyst) forms when one of the tiny oil glands along the eyelid margin becomes blocked. Oil builds up behind the blockage and the gland swells into a firm lump within the lid. Unlike a stye, a chalazion is usually painless once any initial inflammation settles, and it sits a little further from the lash line.
Chalazia are common and often linked to blepharitis (inflammation of the eyelid margins) or skin conditions such as rosacea. They are not cancerous, but a lump that is unusual, recurrent in the same spot, or associated with lash loss should always be examined to exclude rarer causes.
Chalazion or stye — what's the difference?
- Stye (hordeolum): a painful, red, infected lump right at the lash line, usually short-lived.
- Chalazion: a firmer, usually painless lump set back in the lid, which can persist for weeks or months.
- When to seek review: a lump that keeps returning in the same place, distorts the lid, affects vision, or is associated with lash loss or skin changes.
A lump that won't settle? A brief consultation confirms the diagnosis and whether warm compresses, a minor drainage procedure, or excision with histology is the right next step.
Book an eyelid assessmentTreatment options
Most chalazia improve with conservative care first. If the lump persists, a minor procedure clears it. Your surgeon will recommend the right step after examining the lid.
Chalazion treatment is one of several oculoplastic procedures we provide. For background on the condition itself, see chalazion (eyelid cyst).
What happens during chalazion removal
Incision and curettage is a minor procedure under local anaesthetic. You stay awake; the lid is numbed so you feel only mild pressure. The whole appointment is brief and you go home the same day.
- Assessment: your surgeon confirms it is a chalazion and checks the rest of the lid and eye surface.
- Local anaesthetic is injected into the eyelid to numb the area completely.
- A small clamp steadies the lid, and a tiny incision is made — usually on the inside of the lid so there is no external scar.
- The contents are curetted (gently scooped) and the gland cleared. An unusual lesion may instead be excised and sent for histology.
- A pad or ointment is applied; you rest briefly, then go home with aftercare instructions.
Recovery
Recovery from chalazion drainage is quick. Some bruising and swelling are normal for a few days and settle without fuss.
Day of procedure
Mild swelling and possible bruising. A little blood-tinged tearing is normal. Use any prescribed ointment; avoid rubbing the eye.
Days 1–3
Swelling eases. Most people return to work and normal activity. Warm compresses may be advised to aid healing.
Week 1–2
The lid settles and any residual lump softens. Continue lid hygiene to reduce the chance of recurrence.
Beyond
Treating underlying blepharitis and keeping up lid hygiene helps prevent new chalazia. Review if a lump returns in the same spot.
Cost & insurance
Sapphire Eye Care says its surgical prices are all-inclusive, “covering pre-surgical assessments, the surgical episode, hospital fees, and follow-up care”; its consultation is priced separately. After assessment you receive a written quote.
- Self-pay (Sapphire Eye Care’s published prices): curettage or cryotherapy of an eyelid lesion from £460; excision of an eyelid lesion from £764; biopsy of an eyelid lesion from £532 (the hospital may charge extra if histology is needed); initial consultation from £240. See the full chalazion price list.
- Insurance: chalazion procedures are commonly covered — recognised by Bupa, AXA, Aviva, Vitality, Cigna and WPA. We help with authorisation.
- Finance: payment terms vary by clinic; ask for them in writing.