Considering Treatment Options for Eye Issues
Good evening, everyone. A couple of months back, I discovered a small lump on my left eyelid, which unfortunately increased in size. I treated it using prescription antibiotic ointment and eye drops from an ophthalmologist, but to no avail. Recently, I woke up to find my lower eyelid particularly swollen and noticeable bump had formed. Seeking further perspective, I visited another eye specialist here in Seville, Spain, who diagnosed me with a chalazion in my left lower eyelid. Upon examination, it was identified that I have two chalazia, both exhibiting signs of inflammation. Here's the prescribed treatment plan: - **Gentadexa eye drops**: Administer four times daily for one week, followed by every eight hours for a week, then twice daily until my next appointment. - **Prednisone + Neomycin ointment**: To be applied every eight hours on the eyelids for a span of three weeks. - **Zitromax 500 mg**: Take one tablet daily for three days. - **Varidasa tablets**: One tablet to be taken every eight hours for eight days. I’ve been adhering to this treatment regimen for nearly ten days now, yet the swelling persists—at times, a small yellow spot can even be observed. I am also applying warm compresses, but this has not produced any noticeable improvements. After reaching out again to my ophthalmologist today, he proposed the possibility of a cortisone injection directly into the chalazion. However, I am concerned about the potential side effects associated with this option. Would it be more advisable to opt for a minor surgical procedure to remove the chalazia instead, as it might entail fewer complications? I’m struggling to identify any other viable solutions; the swelling is not just bothersome—it's affecting my confidence, and I’m dealing with blurry and cloudy vision. I would greatly appreciate any insights or advice. Thank you.
Answers (1)
6/29/2025, 3:50:38 PM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable that you're feeling frustrated and concerned about the chalazia on your eyelid, especially since they have persisted despite treatment and are impacting your confidence and vision. Let's break down your situation and explore your options.
Key Points:
- Current Treatment: You’ve been following a regimen with antibiotics, anti-inflammatory ointments, and warm compresses.
- Ongoing Symptoms: Despite treatment, the swelling persists, and you're experiencing blurry vision, which can be bothersome.
- Potential Solutions: Your ophthalmologist suggested a cortisone injection; you're considering whether surgery might be a better option.
Explanation:
A chalazion is a blocked gland in the eyelid that can lead to swelling and discomfort. Treatments often begin conservatively, like you’ve attempted with warm compresses and medications. If these measures do not yield results after a reasonable time (usually a few weeks), further intervention may be necessary. Blurry and cloudy vision might also indicate that the lesions are affecting your tear film and overall eyelid function, which is something to address promptly.
Next Steps:
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Evaluate Current Treatment: Continue with the prescribed drops, ointments, and warm compresses faithfully. Consistency is key for best results.
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Cortisone Injection Consideration: A cortisone injection directly into the chalazion can reduce inflammation and promote healing. Side effects are usually minimal but can include temporary discomfort and a slight risk of skin discoloration or atrophy.
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Surgical Consideration: If you feel that the injection isn't the right fit for you, surgery (known as chalazion excision) can be a definitive solution. This minor procedure is performed under local anesthesia and usually has a good success rate with minimal complications. It can provide more immediate relief, especially if the chalazion is causing significant visual disturbances.
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Monitor Your Symptoms: Keep track of any changes in the lump, swelling, or vision. If there's no improvement in the next week after following your treatment plan, discussing the surgical option with your ophthalmologist may be warranted.
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Follow-Up Appointment: Ensure you keep your next scheduled appointment with the ophthalmologist to review progress and decide on the best path forward, whether that’s the injection or surgery.
Your comfort and confidence matter, and addressing these symptoms proactively will help you find relief. If you have more questions or concerns about the treatments, don’t hesitate to discuss them with your doctor.
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