How do I get rid of an eye cyst?

Eye cyst, also known as chalazion, is a condition when lumps are formed on the upper or lower eyelids. These cysts are usually filled with fluid and appear swollen. To understand why these cysts are formed, you will need to understand the functioning of the glands on your eyelids. Human eyes have several tiny glands, called meibomian glands on both the eyelids, which secrete a thick liquid mixture of oil, sebum, and mucus to keep our eyes properly lubricated. If due to some reason the gland openings are clogged or the sebaceous liquid becomes too thick to come out, the oily matter will deposit at the glands and will form pouches filled with fluid. The common signs and symptoms of eye cysts are: swelling of the eyelids, tenderness, sensitivity to light, and a heavy feeling of the eyelids. In most cases, the cysts are harmless and go away on their own in a few weeks or a month. Generally, no specific treatment is necessary; only proper hygiene and management of the symptoms is required. However, in some cases, the cysts may get a bacterial infection and such cases will require topical antibiotic eye drops or ointments. If you suspect a bacterial infection, you should seek immediate consultation with a doctor. Delaying treatment of an infected cyst may further aggravate the situation and spread the infection.

• Always keep your eyes clean by washing it regularly for about five to six times a day. Preferably, use warm water and mild medicated soap or cleanser to wash your eyes.
• Use warm compress on your eyes - this will increase blood circulation and speed up your recovery. To apply warm compress you should heat up a clean cloth and press it on your eyelids. Alternatively, you can also soak a clean cloth in hot water, wring out excess water, and apply the moist and hot cloth on your eyes.
• Apply a mixture of honey and rosewater on your eyes to help heal the cyst quickly.

If the cyst is infected or show no sign of healing you will need to consult a doctor and ask for proper medical treatment. You may be required to apply topical antibiotics to treat the infection. Sometimes, though rarely, you may also need to undergo minor surgery to remove the cyst.

answered by G M

A cyst is a small packet of fluid that sticks to the upper or lower eyelid. It may be caused due to a variety of reasons, but all cures aim at the same thing – dispersing the pouch of fluid and fighting any chance of an infection occurring. The best way to start taking care of a cyst is to clean it at least five to seven times a day with a mild, herbal, non medicated soap. Since it is the eye area and soap may be an irritant, you could also use a mild baby shampoo instead. After this, a warm compress can be applied to the eye. This may sting a bit at first, but you will get used to it after doing it about twice or thrice.

A popular home remedy is to put breast milk in the eye about six to eight times a day. However, since this option is not available most of the time, you can use some chilled evaporated milk to wash your eyes.

Painful but no less effective is putting a drop of onion juice in the eye every other hour or so. Applying honey to the affected eye will also help remove the cyst, but this will also sting a lot. In order to soothe the sting, you may add rose water to the eye after you apply the honey.

answered by G M