United States, Canada150 participantsStarted 2010-11
Plain-language summary
An eyelid stye, or chalazion, is the most common eyelid ailment, and is caused by the blockage of one of the oil secreting glands of the eyelid (meibomian glands). This leads to a typically painful, swollen, and red eyelid bump that lasts from days to weeks and months. The chalazion may cause tearing, pressure on the cornea, and irritation, all of which contribute to its morbidity. There are many anecdotal first line treatments for this condition, including warm compresses to the eyelid, topical antibiotics, topical steroids, topical combination antibiotic/steroid, and oral antibiotics. There have been no clinical trials to compare the efficacy of any of these conservative treatments. We wish to determine the most effective conservative medical treatment for chalazia.
Who can participate
Age range
18 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Inclusion Criteria
* Patients age 18 and above
* Patient with a palpable chalazion on any eyelid
* Patients with multiple chalazia but only a single one on each lid
* Normal lid anatomy enabling lid eversion
Exclusion Criteria
* Patients with chalazia with atypical features (recurring chalazion, abnormal surrounding lid tissue, associated loss of lashes) that may indicate suspicion of malignancy
* Patients allergic to any agents being used in the study (tobramycin, dexamethasone)
* Patients who have had previous eyelid surgery to the same eyelid as the chalazion
* Patients under 18 years of age
* Patients without palpable lid chalazion
* Patients with multiple chalazia on one eyelid
* Patients with concurrent eyelid infection (cellulitis or conjunctivitis)
* Patients unable to give consent
Questions worth asking your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.