The human body receives more than 80% of the information about the world through the eyes. Therefore, the visual apparatus must be protected. Sometimes it affects viral, bacterial and other diseases. They cause not only aesthetic discomfort, but also disrupt the full functioning of the eyes. One of these unpleasant problems is chalazion, which most often affects the lower eyelid. This disease can lead to clouding of the cornea, impaired visual function and other dangerous consequences. Therefore, everyone should know what causes the disorder, how to properly treat it.
The essence of pathology
Lower eyelid chalazion is an ophthalmic disease that is accompanied by the appearance of a tumor. It is a consequence of blockage or swelling of the sebaceous glands. They are located in the thickness of the cartilage of the century and are otherwise called meibomian. The developing inflammatory process also provokes the formation of a slight swelling inside the eyelid.
The meibomian glands perform a number of functions:
- produce a layer of a tear film, which constantly moisturizes the mucous membrane of the eye and prevents its drying out;
- lubricate the edges of the eyelids with a fat component that facilitates gliding on the cornea during blinking.
When, for one reason or another, the sebaceous glands become clogged, their contents cease to come out. Fat secretion gradually accumulates inside. Around the inflamed gland, a capsule is formed - halazion. The disease is diagnosed in 7 out of 100 patients with ophthalmic problems.
Chalazion and barley: what is the difference?
Very often, the lower eyelid halazion is perceived as barley, since these pathologies have a number of common manifestations. In both cases, there is a swelling of the eye, swelling and redness of the skin. However, barley is an infectious disease. His therapy is always accompanied by the release of purulent secretion, after which the healing process begins. Chalazion without appropriate therapy can remain inside the eye for a long time. Sometimes it forms on the site of barley, which has been treated poorly.
Thus, barley should not be confused with the lower eyelid halazion. The first in most cases passes independently, and the second requires competent therapy to avoid the development of unpleasant consequences. These include:
- the presence of a cosmetic defect on the eyelid;
- high probability of transformation into a hernia;
- increased pressure on the eyeball, as a result, visual impairment;
- transition from benign to malignant (extremely rare).
Main reasons
Due to blockage of the meibomian glands, which are about 30 in the lower eyelid, a purulent node is formed. The secret inside it cannot go outside and accumulates in the capsule. The main reason for this blockage is the failure to observe basic rules of personal hygiene. Careless washing leads to the fact that particles of cosmetics and dirt that accumulate on the face during the day clog the outlet openings of the glands.
Among other causes of lower eyelid halazion, doctors distinguish:
- decreased immunity;
- constant use of contact lenses;
- frequent hypothermia of the body;
- oily skin;
- diabetes;
- gastrointestinal tract diseases;
- hormonal disorders.
The reasons for the development of lower eyelid halazion in a child and an adult are practically the same. However, in children, pathology usually occurs against a background of decreased immunity.
Stages of the development of the disease
For 2 or 3 weeks, the accumulation of secretions in the meibomian glands is not accompanied by certain clinical manifestations. Therefore, a person may not suspect health problems for a long time, not feel discomfort. Only after this period of time has a seal formed on the eyelid.
First, the secretion of the sebaceous glands accumulates. On the part of the affected eyeball, swelling and hyperemia may occur. When you feel a slightly reddened eyelid, you can notice the presence of a small tubercle. Palpation is sometimes accompanied by painful sensations. At this stage, halazion within the lower eyelid lends itself well to treatment.
In the absence of therapy, the pathology continues to develop. Already at the next stage, the formation of a tumor begins. Hyperemia already disappears, but the swelling in most cases persists. Tumor formation continues to grow rapidly. Upon reaching large sizes, it begins to put pressure on the eye. The patient gradually loses the ability to see normally.
If an infectious agent enters the neoplasm, an active inflammatory process begins. It is accompanied by severe reddening of the skin and severe swelling in the area of obstruction of the sebaceous gland. In this case, a person experiences severe pain discomfort, an increase in temperature may be observed.
Diagnostic Methods
If you find a halazion of the lower eyelid in an adult and the appearance of symptoms typical for him, you need to consult an ophthalmologist. It is this specialist who treats eye diseases. As a rule, a physical examination is enough for him to confirm a preliminary diagnosis.
At the initial stages of the development of the disease, instrumental diagnostics are not required. With advanced or complicated cases, the doctor may prescribe the following studies:
- screening immunogram;
- sowing on staphylococcus;
- blood test for STIs;
- blood biochemistry;
- fecal analysis;
- blood culture for sterility.
After examination, the patient is selected for individual treatment. At the initial stages, enough drug therapy, and in the case of advanced forms of pathology, surgical intervention is required. Consider each of the treatment options in more detail.
Drug use
The treatment of halazion of the lower eyelid must be started when the first symptoms appear. This will make it possible to dispense with traditional medication methods and traditional medicine. Otherwise, you will need to remove the purulent node surgically.
As a rule, treatment begins with the use of drops (Tobradex, Phloxal, Tsipromed). In their composition they contain an antibiotic, which allows not only to stop the inflammatory process, but also to prevent the development of infection. Drops for the treatment of halazion of the lower eyelid are selected by the doctor. The standard course of administration is from 5 to 7 days.
Various ointments, also made on the basis of an antibiotic, can supplement therapy. The following drugs show a good result: "Hydrocortisone", Vishnevsky ointment, erythromycin ointment. Apply them to the affected eyelid. It is necessary to avoid getting the ointment on the mucous membrane so as not to provoke irritation.
If external medicines do not have the desired effect, steroid injections are prescribed. Through a thin needle, the doctor injects the drug into the neoplasm center from the inside of the eyelid. Most often, Kenalog or Dexamethasone is used for this purpose. The effect of them is noticeable after 1-2 weeks. To accelerate the dynamics of recovery, it is additionally recommended to take drops containing steroids.
Physiotherapeutic effects and massage
Massage is considered a good prevention during remission and treatment of halazion in the lower eyelid at an early stage. Its effectiveness will increase significantly if you previously do dry warm compresses (provided there is no inflammation!). It is recommended to leave on the eyelid for about 15 minutes, and then proceed directly to the massage in circular motions. It is advisable to repeat this procedure up to 5 times a day. This will free up the clogged duct and bring its contents out.
Doctors recommend a physiotherapeutic thermal procedure. For example, UV, UHF or electrophoresis. Due to the thermal effect, the blood vessels warm up, which leads to their expansion. As a result, the lumen in the duct of the sebaceous gland increases.
Surgical intervention
With a late patient visit to the doctor, conservative therapy of the lower eyelid halazion is not prescribed. Surgery is the only effective way to eliminate the pathology. Specialized medical institutions today offer two ways to remove the formation: excision with a surgical scalpel or laser exposure to the tumor.
In the first case, a small incision is made in the neoplasm, the contents of which are subsequently scraped out. The operation is performed on an outpatient basis under local anesthesia, and lasts no more than 30 minutes. After a special blindfold is applied to the eye. During the entire rehabilitation period, antibiotics must be taken. A week after the operation, the sutures are removed.
Laser excision
How to remove halazion on the lower eyelid with a laser? Before the procedure, anesthetic drops are instilled into the affected eye and an injection of the disinfectant into the eyelid is made. Then a micro incision is carried out, and the contents of the neoplasm are evaporated with a laser.
Such a procedure, when compared with a traditional operation, has many advantages. The laser does not leave serious damage to the skin. The likelihood of developing complications in the form of bleeding is negligible. In addition, after the procedure, there is no need to stitch and wear a squeezing dressing for some time.
Help traditional medicine
Therapy of any pathology should be comprehensive. The halazion of the lower eyelid is no exception in this matter. Treatment at home is recommended even by doctors, but only subject to prior consultation with a specialist. Medicinal herbs and plants can only act as an auxiliary measure.
- As a warming procedure, use a conventional heating pad or apply a warm boiled egg.
- The pain perfectly removes the crumb of bread. To prepare a compress, you need to remove the crust and pour it with milk. Then simmer for about 10 minutes, add a small amount of crushed leaves of plantain. When the mixture has cooled slightly, it can be applied to the affected eye.
- Cold lotions are no less useful. They are prepared from finely chopped cabbage, a decoction of flax seeds and boric acid.
The treatment of the lower eyelid halazion at home is effective only in the initial stages. With advanced forms of pathology, it is better not to risk health and follow the doctor's therapeutic recommendations.
Features of the treatment of pathology in children
The treatment of halazion of the lower eyelid in a child at the initial stage is carried out using the above ointments. Sometimes therapy is supplemented with special drops ("Floksal", "Tsipromed"). With a strong inflammatory process, "Opatanol" or "Diclofenac" is used. Surgical intervention is undesirable due to the high risk of complications. If halazion constantly recurs, laser excision of the neoplasm is allowed.
Prevention Methods
To prevent the appearance of a lower eyelid halazion, you need to observe personal hygiene and the rules for the operation of contact lenses. It is also recommended to exclude direct contact of the organs of vision with foreign objects. We are talking about exposure to dust and dirt when working in unsanitary conditions. In this case, you need to take care of eye protection in advance.
It is important for the fair sex to thoroughly wash off cosmetics before bedtime. Decorative products strongly clog the outlet openings of the meibomian glands. The longer the makeup stays on the face, the more difficult it is to clean such areas qualitatively.