How is a chalazion best described?

A chalazion is best described as a non-painful lesion on the eyelid. It is typically caused by the blockage of an eyelid oil gland (the Meibomian gland), leading to a localized swelling that can become firm or rubbery. Unlike a stye, which is usually painful and associated with infection, a chalazion is often asymptomatic and not associated with significant discomfort. Patients may notice a slow-growing lump but generally do not experience pain unless it becomes large enough to press on adjacent structures or cause mechanical irritation. Understanding this distinction helps in differentiating chalazions from other eyelid conditions.