Eyelid Cyst Removal
Eyelid cysts are fluid-filled lumps that can form in your upper or lower eyelid – usually due to blocked oil glands. They are more common in adults than children and are not contagious. That being said, they can either begin from or cause an infection as the glands become inflamed.
Eyelid cysts can form as either watery or oily cysts. The watery ones tend to be less problematic and spontaneously burst and drain themselves – but oily cysts can sometimes harden into uncomfortable, painful growths (also known as “lesions”). These are different from the hardened patches inside your eye that cause cataracts.
Treatment for eyelid cysts
In some cases, eyelid cysts will go away on their own – but frequent rubbing and itching (usually at night) can cause them to get worse.
In most cases, however, eyelid cysts can be treated at home over a period of a few weeks by placing a warm flannel over your closed eye for five minutes, several times a day. It usually takes up to four weeks for the cyst to go away, but it can sometimes take several months to heal fully.
We suggest that if your cyst hasn’t cleared up after one month, you should seek referral to a specialist consultant for eyelid cyst removal.
How are eyelid cysts removed?
Upper eyelid cyst removal is usually performed under local anaesthetic and takes roughly 20 minutes. The surgeon will numb the area in and around your eye. Then, turning your eyelid inside out, they will cut or scrape the cyst away using tiny medical tools. The eyelid cyst removal procedure is finished by washing the area with saline solution in order to reduce the likelihood of infection.
Eyelid cyst removal aftercare
The eyelid cyst removal is usually performed as a day surgery, which means that you will be able to go home the same day – although you will be unable to drive. Please make sure that you have arranged for a relative, friend or other means of transport to take you home safely.
The procedure itself is very safe and complications rarely occur, but you may have residual bruising around the cyst for up to a week. This can be uncomfortable, but it’s important to avoid rubbing or itching it.
After your eyelid cyst removal appointment, your surgeon will provide any relevant information such as how to best care for your eye, how to take any necessary medication, and how long to expect recovery time for your particular case.