H00.1 Chalazion

Name of the Condition

• Chalazion

Summary

A chalazion is a small, benign lump or swelling in the eyelid caused by a blocked oil gland. It typically occurs on the upper or lower eyelid and is usually painless.

Causes

It results from the obstruction and inflammation of the meibomian glands, which are responsible for oil (sebaceous) secretion in the eyelids.

Risk Factors

• Chronic blepharitis (eyelid inflammation)
• Previous history of chalazia
• Skin conditions like rosacea or seborrheic dermatitis
• Frequent eye rubbing or poor eyelid hygiene

Symptoms

• Raised, painless bump on the eyelid
• Mild irritation or discomfort
• Possible localized redness or swelling
• Blurred vision if the chalazion is large enough to press on the eyeball

Diagnosis

Physical examination by a healthcare professional is typically sufficient to diagnose a chalazion. Differential diagnosis may be performed to rule out other eyelid lesions or tumors.

Treatment Options

• Warm compresses applied several times a day to aid drainage
• Gentle eyelid massage to promote drainage
• Topical antibiotic or anti-inflammatory ointments prescribed if inflammation is present
• Surgical incision and drainage if conservative treatments fail and the chalazion persists

Prognosis and Follow-Up

Most chalazia resolve on their own in weeks to months. Follow-up may be recommended if the condition persists or recurs, or if symptoms worsen.

Complications

• Persistent or recurrent chalazion
• Infection (rare)
• Cosmetic concerns due to visible swelling
• Vision impairment if the chalazion is large and presses on the eyeball

Lifestyle & Prevention

• Maintain good eyelid hygiene by gently cleaning the eyelids with a warm, damp cloth
• Avoid rubbing the eyes
• Treat underlying conditions like blepharitis or rosacea as advised by a healthcare provider
• Replace eye makeup regularly and avoid sharing makeup to reduce infection risk

When to Seek Professional Help

Seek medical attention if the chalazion becomes painful, grows larger, affects vision, shows signs of infection (e.g., increased redness, pus), or does not improve with home care after several weeks.

Tips for Medical Coders

Document the location of the chalazion (e.g., right/left, upper/lower eyelid) and any associated conditions (e.g., blepharitis) to support accurate coding. Ensure the diagnosis aligns with clinical findings and that the code H00.1 is used for unspecified chalazion when location details are not documented.