What to do about chalazion that came to a head and popped? (Photos)

Question

A chalazion started forming 3 weeks ago on my upper eyelid. 5 days ago, it came to a head and popped (pus and blood came out). My eyelid no longer hurts, but there's still a bump on it. I was using an antibiotic that goes directly in my eye (Maxitrol) as of a few days ago; I stopped b/c the ophthalmologist said to only use it for 10 days. I'm still using a heated eye mask about 4 times a day. Does it look like I need to get a steroid injection or surgery? Or should I continue to wait for now?

Farid Brad Mozaffari, MD · Answer

I am assuming that the picture on the right is before and the picture on the left is after it started to drain.  At this point, it looks like that there is still fluid/pus present and needs formal drainage, and it should be done by someone who has experience in this procedure, preferably an oculoplastic surgeon.  You do not need a steroid shot, but do need antibiotics, more than likely both oral and eye drops.

David Shifrin, MD · Answer

That looks pretty large. I would suspect you will need a procedure to clean that out. You can go to an oculoplastic ophthalmologist. Best

Thomas Copperman, MD · Answer

I would follow up with your ophthalmologist. This is a very common problem and they should be able to help direct you as to when injection / surgical intervention is necessary.

EYELID SURGERY PROVIDERS NEAR YOU

What to do about chalazion that came to a head and popped? (Photos)

Answers (3)

EYELID SURGERY PROVIDERS NEAR YOU