An ophthalmologist or one familiar with eyelid anatomy and surgical techniques necessary best performs proper surgical management. No predilection exists, but blepharitis and acne rosacea are more common in fair-skinned males, which may increase incidence in that group. Males more commonly are affected, possibly from increased androgenic hormone and associated skin changes arising from that hormone's effect. Risk of developing chalazia increases in those aged 30-50 years. Patients may seek medical attention when a chalazion is secondarily infected and becomes a hordeolum.
Chalazion is a palpable nodule on the eyelid.
Chalazia usually are nontender, nonerythematous, and nonfluctuant. Invert the eyelid to visualize the palpebral conjunctiva and identify internal chalazia. Chalazia may grow to 7-8 mm in diameter. Injection of the conjunctiva is a common secondary finding. Examine preauricular nodes to help determine infection.