Three key points: the anti-inflammatory works inside the lesion, access is through the inside of the eyelid, and the effect develops over 1 to 3 weeks.
A chalazion is a blockage of fat in a gland. Cortisone works directly in the lesion to calm the reaction and help it reduce.
The injection is done through the inside of the eyelid (transconjunctival route). No skin scar, and this approach minimizes the risk of a lighter spot on the surface.
The chalazion typically decreases and resolves between 7 and 21 days. Cortisone works slowly — no immediate effect. One injection is enough for most patients.
There are several situations where a cortisone injection is the preferred option before surgery. The physician will determine what applies to your case.
Chalazion lasting more than a month, despite warm compresses and eyelid cleaning at home.
Chalazion near the eyelid margin or at the inner corner, where surgery would be more delicate.
Chalazion of medium size (3 to 7 mm), still not very fibrous and not too old.
Chalazion that recurs in the same location or elsewhere on the eyelid, without signs of infection.
Patient who wishes to avoid surgery, or a child for whom an incision would be difficult to tolerate.
Certain situations make the injection unsuitable or require a more in-depth discussion. The physician will review these factors systematically before proceeding.
Active eyelid infection — stye, herpes, open wound, or cellulitis.
Chalazion that keeps coming back in the same spot, with loss of lashes or unusual appearance — requires a more thorough examination first.
Known allergy to cortisone, triamcinolone, or Kenalog.
Darker skin tone — rare risk of lighter spot at the injection site; discuss beforehand to choose the safest approach.
History of glaucoma or eye pressure increase with cortisone.
Three clear steps for a short, painless procedure with no downtime.
The optometrist examines the duration, size, position, and appearance of the chalazion. They confirm it is a chalazion and discuss whether injection is the appropriate approach.
The optometrist applies an anesthetic drop then injects a small dose of Kenalog directly into the chalazion, from inside the eyelid. Brief pressure lasting a few seconds.
No activity restrictions after the injection. You can leave immediately and resume your activities. The chalazion will gradually decrease in the following days.
THE CARE EXPERIENCE
Family Physician Trained at the Université de Montréal and a current member in good standing of the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ), Dr. Karen Dzolang serves as the medical director of the CARE network. For eyelid lesions like xanthelasma, she helps frame the assessment, possible indications, limits of removal, and situations where another medical opinion might be preferable.
