[13] Healing can be facilitated by applying a moist warm compress to the affected eye for approximately 10–15 minutes, 4 times per day.

[15][16] In addition, it is helpful to scrub the lid margin (at the base of the eyelashes) with a washcloth and mild (baby) shampoo, which removes oily debris.

[17][18][19] Topical antibiotic eye drops or ointment (e.g., chloramphenicol or fusidic acid) are sometimes used for the initial acute infection, but are otherwise of little value in treating a chalazion.

[20][citation needed] If they continue to enlarge or fail to settle within a few months, smaller lesions can be injected with a corticosteroid.

If the chalazion is located directly under the eyelid's outer tissue, however, an excision from above may be more advisable so as not to inflict any unnecessary damage on the lid itself.

Any residual matter should be metabolized in the course of the subsequent healing process, generally aided by regular appliance of dry heat.

The excision of larger chalazia may result in visible hematoma around the lid, which will wear off within three or four days, whereas the swelling may persist for longer.

[24][25][26] Chalazion surgery is a simple procedure that is generally performed as a day operation, and the person does not need to remain in the hospital for further medical care.

Commonly, general anesthesia is administered in children to make sure they stay still and no injury to the eye occurs.

[28] The surgeon lifts the eyelid to access the back of its surface and makes an incision of approximately 3mm just on top of the chalazion.

The lump is then removed, and pressure is applied for a few minutes to stop any oozing of blood that may occur because of the operation.

Larger chalazia usually push on the skin of the eyelid, and this is the main reason why doctors prefer removing them this way.

Most people with chalazion experience some very minor discomfort in the eye, which can be easily controlled by taking painkilling medication.

People are recommended to not wear contact lenses in the affected eye for at least eight weeks to prevent infections and potential complications.

Also, after surgery, a pad and protective plastic shield are used to apply pressure on the eye in order to prevent leakage of blood after the operation; this may be removed 6 to 8 hours after the procedure.

[31] It carries a quite small risk of central retinal artery obstruction, focal depigmentation in dark-skinned patients, and inadvertent ocular penetration.