Chalazion and demographic characteristics of patients in a population sample

Abstract

Purpose: To show the frequency of occurrence of chalazion in a population sample, as well as the characteristics of patients. Methods: A cross-sectional study using randomized population sample was carried out during 2004/2005, in the Midwest region of the state of São Paulo. Participants were evaluated according to demographic variables and ocular examination. Results: The frequency of occurrence of chalazion was 1.56‰, more common in women, people with astigmatism or low hyperopia, with wide variation in age of onset. It was necessary to prescribe optical correction and surgery in a significant number of cases. Conclusion: The chalazion has low frequency of occurrence in the general population. It occurs predominantly in women and there is a significant association with refractive error.