Alongside surgical removal and medical therapy, there is also a place for intralesional steroid injection in selected cases of chalazion.

This is something I often use in practice, sometimes on its own, and sometimes in combination with other procedures such as incision and curettage, depending on the clinical picture.

When steroid injection alone is useful

Steroid injection can be particularly helpful when the lesion:

• Is recurrent or fluctuating
• Causes intermittent discomfort, itching, or mild tenderness
• Has a tendency to flare but is not a large lump

In these situations, the main issue is often ongoing inflammation rather than a fully established solid cyst.

The goal of the injection is to calm this inflammatory cycle.

A useful short-term "temporalising" treatment

Steroid injection can be especially helpful when timing matters.

For example:

• An important social event within days
• A wedding or public appearance
• A professional commitment where bruising from surgery would be undesirable

In these cases, injection may be used to reduce the risk of an active flare during the immediate period, without proceeding straight to surgical intervention.

While it is not guaranteed, it can help reduce inflammatory activity in the short term.

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How it works and how long it lasts

The steroid is injected directly into or around the eyelid tissue where the inflammation is centred.

This can be done:

• Through the inner surface of the eyelid (conjunctiva), or
• Through the skin, depending on location and accessibility

The procedure is usually performed as an outpatient treatment.

What to expect during the procedure:

• Local anaesthetic eye drops are used first (brief stinging for a few seconds)
• The eyelid becomes partially numbed
• A small amount of steroid is injected into the target area
• The injection itself lasts only a few seconds

You may notice:

• A small temporary swelling at the injection site
• Mild discomfort or stinging briefly

This usually settles within minutes.

Bruising is uncommon, but can occasionally occur if a small blood vessel is affected.

After the injection

Most patients go home:

• Without an eye patch
• Without antibiotics
• And with normal vision overall (though mild blur or irritation can occasionally persist briefly)

There is usually no need for significant aftercare beyond observation and routine eyelid hygiene.