The increasing number of surgically excised chalazion during the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

Purpose: Our goal is to determine the number of excised chalazion over the last 16 years to see if there is an increase in the last 36 months, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: In this retrospective study, 1772 surgically excised cases of chalazion were reviewed. The date range was between 2007 and 2021, and cases were grouped in intervals of 36 months. Information regarding age, sex, and location of the chalazion was also obtained. Results: Of all cases, 54% of the patients (n = 952) were male and 46% (n = 820) were female. The mean age was 46.26 years, ranging from 44.65 to 47.28 in the different groups. There was a relative increase in the number of excised chalazion over the last 36 months. From 2019 to 2021, 506 cases were diagnosed. There were fewer cases in the other groups, as follows: 2016–2018-455 cases; 2013–2015-283 cases; 2010–2012-302 cases; and 2007–2009-226 cases. Regarding location of the excised lesion, 1098 (62%) were in the upper eyelid and 674 (38%) were in the lower eyelid. Conclusion: In the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, fewer patients sought medical care for nonurgent conditions, such as chalazion. However, our data showed that despite that decrease, there was an increased number in chalazion excisions. Among several possible explanations, we suggest that the use of oral protection, such as masks, could have an impact in the increased incidence of chalazion, particularly the ones that end up being surgically removed.

Keywords

• chalazion
• covid-19
• mask wear
• pandemic