Eyelid Cyst

The eyelids contain special glands (Meibomian glands) that produce the fatty layer of tears (oil) and drain their secretions onto the surface of the eyes and are necessary to prevent the rapid evaporation of the tear film. If the ducts of the meibomian glands become blocked the resulting collection of oils can act as a “foreign body” resulting in an inflammatory reaction and a rapid, large red bump on the eyelid. This is more likely to happen when there is inflammation associated with the lids (blepharitis).

Occasionally there may be two or more such cysts in a single eyelid, and more than one eyelid may be involved. Over time, the inflammation tends to go away on its own, leaving a smaller but firmer, pea-sized lump on the eyelid called a “meibomian cyst” or “meibomian gland cyst.” Such lumps or cysts may shrink very slowly but usually require surgical removal if they do not go away on their own.