Medically, the chalazion is defined as a chronic granulomatous enlargement of a meibomian gland of the eye-lid. This may occur usually due to the occlusion of the duct following the inflammation. In most cases it may appear after sty. The meibomian gland in the eyelid serves the purpose of lubricating the margins of the eyelids, by producing a layer of tear. Due to acute of subacute inflammation of the eyelid, which may be due to a sty, there occurs an obstruction of the duct leading to retention of the tears and swelling of the lid.
Chalazion is essentially a benign enlargement.
It is usually painless. It is like a lump on the eye-lid that often gives a subjective sensation of lifting a tiny growth on the eyelid. Chalazion is benign and not cancerous. The size of the chalazion may vary form a tiny grain to a peanut size. The chronic chalazion tends to give a hard feel because of induration of the tissues.