What causes cyst on eyelid? A cyst is a closed sac-like structure that is not a normal part of the tissue where it is located. They are common and can occur anywhere in the body in people of any age. Sometimes they may be felt as an abnormal or new lump or bump. Cysts usually are filled with gases, liquids such as pus, or semisolid substances like tissue debris. Since cysts vary in size, some may be detectable under a microscope or they can grow so large that they displace normal organs and tissues. The outer wall of a cyst is called the capsule.
What Causes Cyst on Eyelid?
A chalazion is a cyst on eyelid (or lump) in the upper or lower eyelid caused by inflammation of a gland of the lid. It may be soft and fluid-filled or firmer. A chalazion is also referred to as a Meibomian cyst, tarsal cyst, or conjunctival granuloma.
Eyelid Cyst Symptoms
- Lumps on eyelids or around eyes
- Redness
- Swelling of the eyelid
- Tenderness
- Discoloration
- Discharge
- Eye crusting
- Pain
- Discomfort when blinking
- Itchiness
Many people can feel an eyelid cyst forming, but others have no idea when one is developing. If you happen to have any of the symptoms listed above, try your best not to touch or rub your eyes, and make an appointment with your eye doctor.
The eyelids contain specialized oil-producing gland which discharge their secretions onto the surface of the eyes, and are essential in preventing the tear film from evaporating too quickly. If the ducts of the Meibomian glands become blocked the resultant collection of oils may act as a ‘foreign body’ resulting in an inflammatory reaction and a rapidly enlarging reddish lump in the eyelid.
This is more likely to occur where there is associated inflammation of the margin of the eyelids. Occasionally there may be two or more such cysts in a single lid, and more than one eyelid can be involved.
Causes of cyst on Eyelid
The transfer of dirt, debris, and bacteria into or around your eyes can lead to the formation of these unsightly lumps or cysts. The most common causes of eyelid cysts are:
- Staph bacteria
- Eye duct/gland blockage
- Poor hygiene
- Dirty contact lenses
- Cosmetics
- Leaving make-up on overnight
- Touching or rubbing eyes, especially with unwashed hands
Types of cyst on eyelid bumps
There are three types of common eyelid bumps. The type and underlying cause of your eyelid bump will determine the best course of treatment.
Styes
This is the most common type of eyelid bump. Styes occur when bacteria get into the oil glands in the eyelids. A stye is a round, red bump that appears close to your eyelashes. It can make your eyelid feel sore. It can also cause you to be sensitive to light and make your eye watery or feel scratchy. Typically a stye takes a few days to form, and you may have more than one at a time.
Chalazion
Is an inflammatory lesion that occurs when the oil-producing glands or tear gland in the eyelids become blocked. Usually, it grows further on your eyelid than a stye. It’s painless in most cases and can interfere with your vision depending on where it grows and how big it gets. Chalazia are non-infectious, chronic, and can last eight to sixteen weeks. Typically chalazia are not painful or tender, but they may need surgical removal if they do not resolve on their own. This surgery is performed by an ophthalmologist, and it entails cutting the cyst open and removing it.
Xanthelasma
This is a harmless, yellow cyst on eyelid that occurs when certain fats build up under the skin. These bumps tend to appear in older adults. In some cases, they indicate high cholesterol levels.
Sweat Gland Cysts
These cysts tend to be round, shiny, transparent lumps that appear near the tear ducts. This kind of cyst should be examined by your eye doctor to ensure that it is not something more dangerous, such as a squamous or basal cell carcinoma.
Keratosis
These cysts are a combination of keratin and tissue and are found in various forms. There are three types of keratosis cysts: actinic, seborrheic, and keratosis pilaris.
Inclusion Cysts
This cyst on eyelid is a white, filled with fluid, and cause a painless swelling of the eyelid. Although they are generally considered to be harmless, they should be examined by an eye care professional.
Lump on Eyelid
Eyelid bumps appear as painful, red lumps at the edge of the eyelid, typically where the lash meets the lid. Bacteria or a blockage in the oil glands of the eyelid causes most eyelid bumps. They are often harmless and don’t always require medical treatment. In most cases they go away on their own or with basic home care.
However, if an eyelid bump becomes increasingly painful, doesn’t respond to home treatments, or begins to interfere with your vision, you may want to talk to your doctor about ways to manage your symptoms or to look for signs of a more serious problem.
Symptoms of an eyelid bump
Most eyelid bumps appear as red or skin-colored lumps, and they typically occur along the edge of the eyelid. Sometimes, they can be tender, red, watery eyes, a gritty, scratchy sensation in the eye and sensitivity to light.
Since a cyst on eyelid may be a mild or harmless, some can indicate a more serious condition. You should see your doctor if any of the following occur:
- you’re having trouble seeing
- your eyes are extremely watery
- there’s copious discharge from your eye
- the white part of your eye changes color
- your eyes hurt even in low lighting
- your eyelid bump bleeds, gets worse, grows very big, or is very painful
- your eyelid is scaly, crusty, or red, which can indicate an infection
- your eyelid has blisters, which can indicate an infection
If a stye or chalazion doesn’t go away over time with home care, you should have a doctor look at it to make sure it’s not a sign of a more serious medical condition or to discuss options to treat it.
Sebaceous Cyst under Eye
The scalp, ears, face, and upper arm are the common sites for sebaceous cysts, though they might happen anywhere on the skin except such places as the palms of the hands and soles of the feet. In the males a common place for them to develop is the scrotum and the chest. However, do not be surprised to form a sebaceous cyst under your eye.
Sebaceous cysts are very common in hairier areas, where in cases of longer duration they may result in hair loss on the skin surface almost immediately above the cyst on eyelid. They are very smooth to the touch, they vary in size, and generally round in shape. The nature of the contents of the sebaceous cyst under the eyelid, and of the surrounding capsule, can be determined by the question of whether the cyst has ever been infected.
With surgery, the cyst on eyelid might normally be excised in its entirety. Poor surgical technique or even the previous infection that lead to the scarring and the tethering of the cyst to the surrounding tissue can lead to the rupture during the excision and even the removal. Sebaceous cyst on your eyelid is very common and is brought about by the problems with the sebum-producing glands around the hair follicles covering our bodies. There are a couple of other dermatological cysts that have similar treatments
By through its very nature, a cyst on face will have an inflammation that is deep inside the pore walls, which is the reason why you aren’t seeing any typical head. Trying to lance or even squeeze a pimple like this is going to further irritate it, lead to more swelling, inflammation and even possible infection, and the delay the healing time. Not to mention that you run the risk of even rupturing the wall of your pore, and thus allowing the infection to spread much into surrounding areas underneath the skin.
A completely extracted cyst will not recur, even though the patient has a predisposition to cyst formation, further cysts can however develop in the same general area.
Cyst on Eyelid Removal
An eyelid cyst is usually a painless lump or swelling either on the upper or lower eyelid which is caused by a blockage in one of the glands that supplies fluid to lubricate the edge of the eyelid. This will require a minor operation to remove.
Things involved in cyst removal
Eyelid cysts are usually removed under local anesthetic which takes around thirty minutes and is done as a day case. During the operation the eyelid is carefully turned inside out and a small instrument is placed over the cyst to hold it secure. The cyst is then cut and scraped away and the wound washed with salt (saline) solution.
In this procedure, the contents of the cyst are released. This rapidly leads to resolution of the inflammation, and re-establishment of normal glandular function in the lids. A small amount of local anesthetic is injected under the skin of the eyelid, and the contents of the cyst are released from the inside surface of the lid (this avoids a skin incision and a visible scar). In a small proportion of patients the cyst may return and require a reoperation.
How long should I wait before considering this procedure?
Approximately half of all lid cysts settle with conservative measures within about 6 weeks. However, sometimes a small residual collection of oils persist once the inflammatory features have abated. This cyst on eyelid, and others which become very large and inflamed, require curettage to allow the lid and glandular function to return to normal. In general, a cyst which is responding to warm compresses and topical antibiotics should be observed, whilst those which do not respond, or become increasingly swollen, require minor surgery.
The period of recovery
You will be able to go home the same day and apart from some possible soreness, you should recover very quickly. After care activities to the wound are done comfortably at home.
The risk you should be able to know on cyst on eyelid surgical removal is that, the eyelid cyst removal is a routinely performed minor operation and has few notable side effects. No – although some patients suffer a period of a few months to years of recurrent, or multiple, eyelid cysts. As the accompanying blepharitis is brought under control, the risk of developing a cyst lessens.
Treatment for cyst on eyelid
Regular lid hygiene with warm compresses and topical antibiotic ointment to the eyelid margins reduces the likelihood of chalazion formation in those individuals at risk. Established cysts may resolve with this treatment, but those that do not settle require an incision and curettage. Omega oils (for example, in Flax seed oil supplements) are thought to improve the glandular function of the lids and reduce the risk of oil build-up and cyst formation. An “Eye Bag” can also help to improve the function of the Meibomian glands.
If symptoms of an eyelid cyst develop, you should visit an eye doctor who can diagnose the type of cyst you have and determine the cause. Most eyelid cysts can be diagnosed with a complete eye exam. The eyelids and eyelashes will be examined closely, and your eye doctor will check your eyelid structure, skin, and eyelash appearance. Once a proper diagnosis is made an appropriate treatment plan can be created.
How Eyelid Cysts are treated
If you have a cyst on your eyelid, the best treatment starts with better personal hygiene. Keep your hands and fingers and the area around your eyes clean at all times. Try your best not to touch or rub your eyes.
This can help prevent bacteria from spreading. If you use cosmetics, throw them away and buy new ones after the cyst is gone. This will prevent the spread of bacteria that could be infecting your eye make-up. Avoid sharing your eye make-up, even with those closest to you.
If your cyst on eyelid is painful, becoming larger in size, or has lasted a long time, seek medical attention from an optometrist or ophthalmologist.
Your eye doctor will determine the appropriate treatment plan. Common methods of treatment include antibiotics and surgical removal. Your doctor can also show you what steps to take to prevent the cyst from recurring.
A common way to relieve discomfort from a cyst on the eyelid is to apply warm compresses. Hold the compress to the eyelid for five to ten minutes several times a day. Wash your eyelids with baby shampoo diluted with water, or use a commercial product designed to wash eyelids.
Cysts are usually only removed for cosmetic reasons. Rarely do they pose a significant threat to anyone’s overall eye health or vision. Most eyelid cysts do not obstruct vision or pose an immediate problem for the eye. Talk with your eye care provider about possible treatment options for a cyst on the eyelid.
Home Remedies for cyst on eyelid
The most common cause of eyelid cysts is blockage and inflammation of the oil-producing Meibomian glands in the eyelids as discussed above. People with a history of chalazion and those who often touch their eyelids with unclean hands are more prone to this problem. Some people have naturally thicker Meibomian gland secretions than others, making them susceptible to blocked oil glands leading to chalazions. Here are some of the best home remedies for eyelid cysts.
Warm Compress
A warm compress is one of the best remedies for eyelid cysts. The heat helps increase blood circulation to the area and promotes drainage of the gland. It also helps reduce pain and swelling. You just need to soak a soft cloth in hot water (clean and sterilized water) and hold this warm, moist cloth on your closed eyelid for 5 to 10 minutes. You can also try facial steaming.
Massage
Gently massaging the affected eyelid can help accelerate the process of draining. This will promote quickly. Using your fingers, gently massage the area in the upward direction.
Guava Leaves
Another popular home remedy for cyst on eyelid is guava leaves. The leaves contain anti-inflammatory compounds that help reduce the swelling under eye and pain. In addition, their natural healing power helps speed up recovery. Warm these leaves in the microwave for a few seconds or simply put them in boiling water for 5 minutes. Place one warm leaf on the affected eye. You can also place a damp, warm cloth over it.
Acacia Leaves
Using an infusion prepared from acacia leaves can also help reduce the pain and swelling associated with eyelid cysts, thanks to its anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties.
- Heat 2 cups of water and boil a handful of acacia leaves in it.
- When the solution is comfortably warm, remove the leaves, soak a piece of clean cloth in the solution, and use it as a warm compress.
- Repeat a few times a day for several days.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Many people have also reported positive results after using apple cider vinegar compresses for cyst on eyelid. Its anti- inflammatory and antiseptic properties help reduce pain and inflammation and even fight infection.
- Put 2 teaspoons of organic raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar in 1 cup of hot water. Soak a cotton ball in this solution and apply it on the affected area for about a minute. Follow this remedy three times daily for a few days.
- Also, mix 1 tablespoon of raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar in a cup of water. Drink it twice daily for a few weeks.
Castor Oil
This oil has high anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce pain and inflammation associated with an eyelid cyst. It can help bring down the size of a cyst quickly, which in turn means quick healing.
- First, apply a warm compress over the affected eyelid for 5 minutes. Then, use a cotton swab to apply castor oil on the affected area. Follow this remedy twice daily for 1 to 2 weeks.
- Alternatively, mix ½ teaspoon of turmeric powder with enough castor oil to make a thick paste. After washing the cyst with warm water, apply this paste on the affected area. Leave it on for 15 minutes, before rinsing with warm water. Repeat three times daily until the cyst is gone.
Green Tea Bags
They are also effective in treating cyst on eyelid. The green tea has anti- inflammatory properties that help reduce pain and inflammation and reduce the size of a cyst. Moreover, being rich in tannic acid, it also helps keep infection at bay. You just need to hold the moist tea bag over the affected eyelid for 5 minutes.
Aloe Vera
Another effective treatment for cyst on eyelid is aloe vera. Its anti-inflammatory property can help reduce redness, swelling and inflammation. In addition, it has antibacterial properties that help fight infection.
- Cut open a fresh aloe leaf and extract the gel. Apply the gel directly on the affected area. Leave it on for 15 to 20 minutes, and then rinse it off with lukewarm water. Repeat this remedy a few times daily for a week.
- Another option is to soak a cotton ball in aloe vera gel for 5 minutes, and then apply it on the cyst for 20 minutes. Wait 2 hours, and then reapply again. Use this treatment for a week.
More references
- Chalazion(eyelid cyst): http://www.medicinenet.com/chalazion/article.htm
- Home remedies for eyelid cyst: http://www.top10homeremedies.com/home-remedies/home-remedies-for-eyelid-cysts-chalazions.html/2
- Skin cyst: http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/skin-cyst/Pages/Introduction.aspx
- Cyst symptoms and causes: http://www.medicinenet.com/cyst_symptoms_and_causes/views.htm
- Everything you should know about eyelid cysts: http://www.eyehealthweb.com/eyelid-cyst/