The most common eyelid lump is a chalazion. This is a chronic inflammation (not an infection) of an eyelid oil (meibomian) gland that stimulates the formation of a surrounding cyst. It can cause a painful swelling and eyelid tenderness.
With warm compresses and eyelid massage a chalazion may shrink over several weeks and become painless, however its core frequently remains intact. Often the cyst flares up again and again causing a unsightly lump and discomfort and can interfere with the vision.
TREATMENT
If warm compresses and eyelid massage does not resolve the chalazion it can be treated with a minor surgical procedure to remove the contents of the original blocked gland (incision and curettage). Alternatively, some types of chalazia can be treated by a steroid injection into the affected part of the eyelid.
Both of these treatments generally achieve excellent results in getting rid of the chalazion. However if there is an underlying tendency for someone to develop further chalazia, this risk may be reduced by using preventative remedies.
All treatment is preceded by a detailed consultation and examination to establish the correct diagnosis.