Which statement best describes chalazion?

• A. It is caused by a bacterial infection.
• B. It is associated with sterile inflammation due to obstruction of Meibomian glands.
• C. It is always painful.
• D. It resolves within a day.

Answer: (B)

Chalazion is a sterile, noninfectious inflammatory reaction that results from blockage of the Meibomian gland duct. When the gland gets obstructed, lipid secretions back up and trigger a lipogranulomatous inflammation inside the eyelid, forming a firm, usually painless lump. This contrasts with a stye, which is a painful bacterial infection of eyelid glands. Because the process is gradual and noninfectious, it doesn’t typically present as an acute, painful outbreak, and it doesn’t resolve in a day. Management focuses on warm compresses and lid hygiene, with more advanced options like corticosteroid injection or incision and curettage if it persists.