A chalazion is a blocked oil gland in your cat's upper or lower eyelid. It appears as a firm yellowish nodule and is usually painless to touch. Chalazia themselves are harmless and may go away without treatment. However, a few may happen alongside more serious conditions, such as eyelid tumours. Ask a vet to check any changes in your cat's eye.
Causes
Blockage of a Meibomian gland, the gland which produces an oily substance to help lubricate the eye
Oily material accumulates inside the gland, forming a cyst; may become inflamed or infected
Causes of meibomian Meibomian blockage include a growth or tumour of the gland, inflammation of the gland and blockage with sand or dirt.
Risk
Any cat of any age can get a chalazion. But they’re most likely in older cats..
Symptoms
The appearance of a firm, yellowish to grey nodule on the inner surface of the upper or lower eyelid
Usually non-painful, but may be inflamed and tender in the early stages.
Redness, swelling and pain may develop or worsen if the chalazion becomes infected
A weepy eye.
Your cat may rub the eye, paw it or hold it partially closed if uncomfortable
Diagnosis
Vets diagnose a chalazion based on your cat’s symptoms, the appearance of the swelling and a thorough examination of the eye. Other tests may include:
Ophthalmoscope exam: A closer look at the eye using a special tool with a light source and extra magnification
Collecting samples of the gland or its contents in complex, severe or recurring cases. Checking for bacterial infection or tumour cells
Treatment
Often a chalazion disappears after 2-4 weeks without treatment. But you can help the process:
Keep the eye clean: Bathe with boiled, cooled drinking water and a clean cotton cloth 2-3 times daily.
Apply a warm compress to the eye twice daily to help loosen and draw out the contents of the blocked gland.
Treatment when the chalazion persists or becomes painful
Prescription eye drops or ointment: Anti-inflammatory; antibiotics for infection
Gentle massage of the chalazion to express the contents
A small procedure to drain the gland: Your cat may have sedation to keep them still, safe and comfortable.
An operation to remove the gland and associated chalazion completely: Where a meibomian gland tumour is suspected to be the root cause.
What to expect
The outcome will largely depend on the underlying cause. Often the chalazion will disappear within a month. However, they may recur, particularly if there's a problem with the gland.
Prevention
Although a chalazion usually occurs as a one-off and can’t be prevented, you can reduce the risk by keeping your cat's eyes clean. Prompt veterinary attention and care will help identify more serious underlying causes and longer term complications.