Chalazion
A chalazion is a small, usually painless lump in the eyelid caused by a blocked oil gland. Many clear up on their own, and simple self-care often helps. Read more about chalazion →
If symptoms are sudden, severe or getting worse, contact your GP or NHS 111.
Where are you up to?
The NHS reports waiting times by specialty, not by individual condition, so this is the ophthalmology wait (not specific to chalazion), updated August 2026. Enter a postcode to see the hospitals near you.
ophthalmology waiting times by hospital
| Trust | Location | Typical wait |
|---|---|---|
| University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust | Birmingham | 2 weeks |
| Dorset County Hospital NHS Foundation Trust | Dorset | 4 weeks |
| The Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust | Dudley | 5 weeks |
| Surrey and Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust | Reigate and Banstead | 5 weeks |
| Salisbury NHS Foundation Trust | Wiltshire | 6 weeks |
| London North West University Healthcare NHS Trust | Brent | 6 weeks |
| Airedale NHS Foundation Trust | Bradford | 6 weeks |
| Mid Cheshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust | Cheshire East | 7 weeks |
About chalazion
A chalazion is a small lump in the eyelid caused by a blocked oil gland. It's usually painless and harmless, and often feels like a firm, pea-sized swelling in the upper or lower lid. People who have blepharitis (inflamed eyelids) or the skin condition rosacea are more likely to get them.
How it is treated
Many chalazia clear up on their own over a few weeks to a few months. You can help it along at home by holding a warm, clean flannel against the closed eye for 5 to 10 minutes a few times a day, then gently massaging the lid towards the lashes to encourage the oil gland to drain. If it doesn't settle, an eye specialist can make a tiny cut on the inside of the lid to drain it, or sometimes use a steroid injection.
After treatment
Warm compresses and massage sort out most chalazia without any procedure. If the lump is drained, it's a quick day-case treatment under local anaesthetic, and most people get back to normal straight away. A chalazion can come back, especially if you're prone to blocked glands, so keeping up eyelid hygiene helps.
Sources: NHS (Moorfields): Chalazion. Last updated October 2026.
General information only, not medical advice. Wait or Pay is independent and is not the NHS. Your GP decides what care, if any, you need.