An Eyelid Cyst

These are small fluid filled sacs in the eyelid.

Occasionally both eyes may be affected.

Eyelid Cyst Causes

This can occur as an after effect to a stye eye infection. The cysts themselves are not infected.

As time passes any initial pain subsides and you are left with a firm solid lump on the eyelid.

As well as resulting from an eye stye, a cyst on the eyelid can result from blepharitis and also from other skin diseases such as eczema.

Eyelid Cyst Symptoms

1. Presence of small raised lump on eyelid, usually unilateral and on upper eyelid.

2. May initially be painful but commonly this resolves in a short time.

3. May affect eyesight if the eyelid presses on the front of the eye.

4. In rare cases the cyst itself becomes infected, causing pain and inflammation in the eyelid.

Treatment of an Eyelid Cyst

If they do occur there are however some various treatment methods.

No drug treatment is used for cysts of the eyelid, except in rare cases when they become infected.

In many cases the cyst with disappear without any medical intervention.

This may take several months.

Eyelid Massage of the affected area can help the cyst to drain.

This should be done after cleaning with a cotton pad, moving the fingers towards the eyelash base.

Hot flannel compresses can help to alleviate any associated pain.

A hot (as can be tolerated) towel is used for 5 minutes at least three times per day.

Usually this is very effective in helping to unblock the cysts.

If all these fail and the cyst is causing other problems with vision or patient comfort, a minor operation can be performed.

An eye surgeon can simply remove the cyst under local anaesthetic.

An incision is made into the cyst and the fluid causing the swelling is drained off.

You may still be left with some residual tissue.

Complications and Advice.

In extremely rare cases a secondary infection can cause extreme swelling of the eyelid and surrounding tissue with additional raised body temperature and fever.

This can be dangerous and is known as orbital cellulitis.

In such rare cases urgent medical intervention is required. Antibiotic treatment is required under hospital supervision.

An eyelid cyst is normally a one off event.

If you do happen to suffer with one future reoccurrence can be prevented by following a good quality eyelid hygiene routine.

In all cases of any type of lump occurring on an eyelid always consult your optometrist or doctor for further advice.

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