Sty/chalazion in upper eyelid during pregnancy: Can I get surgery to remove this? (Photos)

Question

I developed a stye in my upper eyelid a month ago. I was put on cephalexin for a week, along with erythromycin. It's better and not painful anymore but still hasn't gone away and looks bad. I'm also pregnant. Can I get surgery to remove this? Will surgery anaesthetic be safe during pregnancy? I've tried various natural remedies such as warm compresses but nothing is really working.

Mehryar (Ray) Taban, MD, FACS · Answer

Although the procedure can be done under local anesthesia with likely no risk, no one knows for sure. It also depends on your pregnancy time and recommendation by your OB.

Kenneth D. Steinsapir, MD · Answer

The surgery is likely to be safe but the risk is not zero.  The chalazia poses no threat to your heal and treatment can be safely deferred until after the pregnancy.  I would advise against treatment.  However, your personal physicians and ophthalmologists may have an entirely different opinion.

Sty/chalazion in upper eyelid during pregnancy: Can I get surgery to remove this? (Photos)

Answers (2)