This is usually a quick day-case procedure performed under local anaesthetic.

It is similar in many ways to having dental treatment:

• You are awake
• The area is numbed
• You may feel pressure and movement, but not sharp pain

The procedure itself usually takes around 10-15 minutes.

Before starting:

• Your blood pressure, pulse, and oxygen levels may be checked
• The eye surface is numbed with anaesthetic drops, as iodine can sting the eyes
• The eyelid area is cleaned with antiseptic (usually iodine)

Local anaesthetic

The anaesthetic injection is placed around the eyelid lump.

It does not go into the eyeball.

The injection can sting for a few seconds.

After that, the eyelid becomes:

• Heavy
• Numb

You may feel touching, pushing, or pulling sensations, but you should not feel sharp pain.

The procedure itself

A special instrument called a chalazion clamp is used to stabilise the eyelid and allow the eyelid to be gently turned.

In most cases, the incision is made on the inside surface of the eyelid, rather than through the skin.

This means:

• The incision is hidden
• There is usually no visible scar on the outside

The incision is very small, usually only a few millimetres.

A small opening is made, and the contents of the chalazion are removed with a curette.

The contents are not usually liquid. After a few days, they become more organised, so they need to be gently curetted or scooped rather than simply drained.

Once the contents are removed:

• The clamp is released
• Any small amount of bleeding settles quickly

A steroid injection may also be used in selected cases to reduce inflammation and support healing. An antibiotic ointment is applied.

After the procedure

A pressure pad is usually placed over the eye.

This helps:

• Reduce bleeding
• Reduce bruising
• Protect the area while it starts healing

You may go home with the eye covered.

In some situations, if covering one eye affects your safety or confidence because your other eye does not see well enough, your surgeon may discuss leaving it uncovered.

The area may feel:

• Slightly sore
• Bruised
• Swollen

but most people find it very manageable.

The procedure is quick, and for many patients it provides a much faster resolution than waiting for a persistent chalazion to settle naturally.