How to prepare for a video visit about Chalazion

Audience: adult

A chalazion is a small, usually painless lump that can form on your eyelid when an oil gland gets blocked. It may cause redness, swelling, or mild discomfort. Many chalazions improve on their own or with simple home care. A video visit with a healthcare provider can help you understand your symptoms and decide the best next steps. Preparing well for your telemedicine appointment can make the visit smoother and more helpful. This guide explains what to expect during your video visit, how to prepare, and when to seek urgent care. Remember, telemedicine can provide education and advice but may not replace an in-person exam when needed. If you notice severe pain, vision changes, or spreading redness, seek immediate medical attention.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Severe eye pain or discomfort — seek urgent care immediately.
• Sudden changes in vision, such as blurriness or loss of sight — get emergency evaluation.
• Redness and swelling spreading beyond the eyelid or accompanied by fever — contact a healthcare provider promptly.

What telemedicine can do

• Reviewing symptoms and medical history related to chalazion.
• Providing education on home care and self-management techniques.
• Determining if symptoms require urgent in-person evaluation.
• Answering questions about chalazion causes and typical course.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Performing a physical eye exam or procedures like drainage.
• Diagnosing other eye conditions that may mimic chalazion without in-person assessment.
• Managing severe infections or complications requiring immediate treatment.

What is a Chalazion?

A chalazion is a small lump on your eyelid caused by a blocked oil gland. It often looks like a swelling or bump that may be red or tender. Unlike styes, chalazions usually develop slowly and are less painful. They can affect the upper or lower eyelid and may cause mild irritation or blurred vision if large.

Preparing for Your Video Visit

Before your appointment, find a quiet, well-lit place where you can show your eye clearly on camera. Have a clean towel or cloth handy in case you need it. Write down your symptoms, including when the lump started, any pain or vision changes, and any treatments you've tried. Also, note any other health conditions or medications you take. Make sure your device's camera and microphone work well.

What to Expect During the Video Visit

Your healthcare provider will ask about your symptoms and medical history. They may ask you to position your camera close to your eye to see the lump clearly. They will discuss possible causes and suggest home care tips or treatments. If needed, they may recommend an in-person visit for further evaluation or treatment.

Home Care Tips for Chalazion

Many chalazions improve with warm compresses applied to the eyelid for 10 to 15 minutes, 3 to 4 times a day. Gently massaging the eyelid may help open the blocked gland. Avoid squeezing or trying to pop the lump. Keep your eyelids clean and avoid eye makeup until it heals.

When to Seek Urgent Care

If you experience severe eye pain, sudden vision loss, increasing redness or swelling spreading beyond the eyelid, fever, or if the lump grows rapidly, seek urgent medical attention. These signs may indicate an infection or other serious eye conditions.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Choose a quiet, well-lit area with good internet connection.
• Test your device’s camera and microphone before the visit.
• Have a clean cloth or towel available for warm compress demonstration if needed.
• Prepare to describe your symptoms clearly, including onset and any treatments tried.
• List any other health conditions and medications you are taking.
• Be ready to position your camera close to your eye to show the affected area.

After your tele-visit

• Follow any home care instructions provided by your healthcare provider.
• Use warm compresses as recommended to help reduce the chalazion.
• Monitor your symptoms for any changes or worsening signs.
• Schedule an in-person visit if advised or if symptoms do not improve.
• Contact your healthcare provider if you develop any red flags or new symptoms.

FAQs

What causes a chalazion?

A chalazion forms when an oil gland in your eyelid becomes blocked. This blockage causes swelling and a lump to develop. It is not usually caused by infection but by gland blockage and inflammation.

Can a chalazion go away on its own?

Yes, many chalazions improve without medical treatment over weeks to months. Warm compresses and gentle eyelid hygiene can help speed healing.

Is a chalazion contagious?

No, a chalazion is not contagious. It is caused by a blocked gland, not by bacteria or viruses that spread between people.

When should I see a doctor in person?

See a doctor in person if the lump grows quickly, is very painful, affects your vision, or if you have spreading redness or fever. These may be signs of infection or other serious eye problems.

Can I wear contact lenses or makeup with a chalazion?

It’s best to avoid contact lenses and eye makeup until the chalazion heals to prevent irritation or infection.

Sources

1. Chalazion — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
2. Chalazion and Hordeolum (Stye) — Mayo Clinic.
3. Eye Infections and Conditions — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
4. Chalazion — Merck Manuals: Consumer Version.

This telemedicine guidance is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional in-person medical care. If you have concerns about your eye health or experience urgent symptoms, seek immediate medical attention.