What are the recommended first-line treatments for a chalazion in adults?

First-line treatment for a chalazion in adults is conservative management. This includes warm compresses and eyelid hygiene measures, as most lesions resolve within 6 months without invasive intervention.

Antibiotics are not routinely recommended because a chalazion is an inflammatory, non-infectious condition unless there is suspicion of an associated infection.

If the chalazion does not improve or resolve after 4 weeks of conservative treatment, referral to an ophthalmologist is advised for further assessment.

For large or symptomatic lesions that persist beyond conservative management, options such as incision and drainage or intralesional steroid injection may be considered.