chalazion
Definitions
from Wiktionary, Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License
- noun A cyst in the eyelid, caused by inflammation of a blocked meibomian gland.
Examples
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Blepharitis is inflammation of the edges of the eyelids; conjunctivitis is inflammation of the membrane that lines the eyelids and connects to the eyeball; iritis is inflammation of the iris; scleritis is inflammation of the white part of the eyeball, uveitis is inflammation of the pigmented inner parts of the eye; a sty is an inflammation of an oil-secreting gland on or near the edge of an eyelid; a chalazion is a small, hard tumor that forms on the edge of an eyelid.
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Occasionally, a chalazion can cause the entire eyelid to swell suddenly.
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A larger chalazion may also cause blurred vision by distorting the shape of the eye.
Note
The word 'chalazion' comes from a Greek root meaning 'a hard lump, hailstone'.
