Eyelid cyst removal in the UK: types of cyst and what the procedure involves

'Eyelid cyst' covers several different lumps. The type affects how it is removed.

Common types

Chalazion — a blocked oil gland within the lid, the most common 'cyst'. Cyst of Moll — a small clear, fluid-filled bubble at the lid margin. Cyst of Zeis — a small yellowish oily bump at the lash line. Epidermoid (inclusion) cyst — a smooth, white-yellow lump in the lid skin, sometimes called a sebaceous cyst.

Is removal necessary?

Not always. Many chalazia settle with warm compresses. Removal is reasonable if a cyst persists, enlarges, affects vision, rubs, keeps recurring or looks unusual. On the NHS, removal for purely cosmetic reasons is often not funded, which is why many people choose a private appointment.

The procedure

Anaesthetic drops are followed by a small local anaesthetic injection into the lid. A chalazion is usually drained from the inner surface of the lid with a small clamp in place, and the contents scraped out (incision and curettage). Cysts of Moll or Zeis and epidermoid cysts are removed through a small incision in the skin or lid margin. Most procedures take 10–20 minutes, and tissue is sent for histology if there is any doubt about what it is.

Recovery

The eye may be padded for a few hours. Expect bruising and swelling for several days and use antibiotic ointment for about a week. Most people return to desk work the next day. Avoid eye make-up and swimming for a week. Scars on eyelid skin usually fade well; chalazion drainage from the inside leaves no visible scar.

Can it come back?

A new chalazion can form in another gland, especially with blepharitis. A lump that recurs in the same place should be sampled.

See a doctor promptly if an eyelid lump bleeds, crusts or ulcerates, causes eyelashes to fall out, keeps growing, distorts the lid, or comes back in the same place. Spreading redness and swelling of the whole lid, especially with fever or pain on moving the eye, needs urgent same-day care.

More detail: stye and chalazion treatment, eyelid lump and lesion removal and lump on the eyelid — when to worry.

Seeing Ms Tahmina Pearsall

Ms Pearsall performs eyelid cyst removal under local anaesthetic.

Ms Tahmina Pearsall is a consultant ophthalmic surgeon who qualified in 1993 and has more than 30 years of experience and over 50,000 procedures performed. She trained at Moorfields Eye Hospital, St Thomas' Hospital and Addenbrooke's Hospital, and sees private patients at multiple clinic locations, including Harley Street in London. Read her full credentials.

Ms Pearsall sees patients at Harley Street, London and other clinic locations. Patients travel from across the UK, including Brighton & Hove and Liverpool, and from Jersey and Guernsey and the Isle of Man.

The first telephone enquiry is free — arrange a free initial call to explain what happened and check whether a review is likely to help. A full clinical consultation with Ms Pearsall costs £250. Treatment prices are listed on the pricing page and confirmed in writing after examination.

This article is general information written for patients and does not replace an individual examination.