Dry eye syndrome may be another associated factor. Disease progression of a chalazion leads to a painless granuloma that may be disfiguring cosmetically. Chalazia can be quite large and cause visual disturbances by deforming the cornea. More specifically, a mass that presses on the cornea induces astigmatism. This is more typical of upper lid chalazia than of lower lid chalazia.
Most morbidity is secondary to infection caused by improper drainage.
An ophthalmologist or one familiar with eyelid anatomy and necessary surgical techniques best performs proper surgical management. No predilection exists, but blepharitis and acne rosacea are more common in fair-skinned males, which may increase incidence of chalazia 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.