Niki Tamboli Eye Infection Explained: What Is Chalazion and Why It Causes Eyelid Swelling

Nikki Tamboli recently shared her pictures from a hospital with a bandaged eye, revealing she is suffering from an eye infection. The 29-year-old Bigg Boss ex-housemate was diagnosed with a chalazion near

her eyelid, for which she had to undergo a minor eye surgery. “All is well,” she wrote on Instagram, giving an update on her health. While a chalazion - a painless, slow-growing lump on the eyelid caused by a blocked oil gland- can be dissolved with a heating bag, in Tamboli’s case it did not happen.

What is a chalazion?

ccording to experts, a chalazion forms a red bump on your eyelid, also known as an eyelid cyst or a meibomian cyst. It slowly forms when an oil gland – known as the meibomian gland, becomes blocked. At first, the chalazion can be extremely painful, but after a little time, it usually stops hurting. Doctors say a chalazion typically forms on the underside of your upper eyelid, but may occasionally form on your lower eyelid. Usually, chalazia develops in adults between the ages of 30 and 50 years, and is not common among children.

How is a chalazion different from a stye?

Doctors say that while it can be hard to differentiate between a chalazion and a stye, they are two different conditions. A chalazion forms because of a stye, but they are different conditions despite both forming due to blocked oil glands. Styes are bacterial infections that cause the gland to swell, appearing at the edge of your eyelid, whereas chalazia appear farther back on your eyelid. In addition, styes can be painful, but chalazia generally aren’t painful.

Signs and symptoms of chalazion

A chalazion would make you notice a bump on your eyelid. It usually affects your upper lid. As the chalazion grows, it may become red, swollen, and tender. A few other symptoms include:

• Mild irritation, causing your eye to water
• Blurred vision
• Entirely swollen eyelid
• Pain in many cases
• Itching

What are the risk factors for developing chalazion?

According to experts, chalazia are very common, and anyone can get them. But you may be more likely to get a chalazion if you:

• Have had a chalazion before
• Have chronic blepharitis, also known as eyelid inflammation
• Have certain skin conditions, like dandruff or rosacea
• Have dry skin
• You are experiencing hormonal changes

Also read: Glaucoma Explained: Why Doctors Call It the Silent Thief of Sight

What is the best way to get rid of a chalazion or treat it?

In most cases, chalazion can be treated at home and can clear up in a month or less. However, doctors recommend never to push on a chalazion or try to pop it, as it can cause severe inflammation and infection. Instead, for chalazion self-care, try:

Warm compresses

Wet a clean washcloth with warm water and put it on the affected eye for 15 minutes. Do this at least three times a day to help the blocked oil gland open up.

Maintain good hygiene

Do not wear eye makeup while you have a chalazion. After the chalazion drains, keep the area clean. If the chalazion doesn’t go away, you should seek help from an eye care specialist. Chalazion treatment in your provider’s office may include draining the fluid through a small cut.