Management Practice for Hordeolum and Chalazion: A Survey of the Korean Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (KSOPRS) Members

Abstract

Purpose: To determine the current management pattern for hordeolum and chalazion among members of the Korean Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (KSOPRS).

Methods: An anonymous web-based survey was emailed to 260 current members of the KSOPRS. The survey comprised five sections: differential diagnosis, treatment strategies for hordeolum, treatment strategies for chalazion, postsurgical care, and pediatric-specific approaches.

Results: Eighty KSOPRS members participated in this study (response rate, 30.8%). Redness, swelling, and pain were the most important factors for differentiating hordeolum from chalazion. For hordeolum, topical antibiotics are preferred by 59 respondents (73.8%), with 49 (83.7%) considering them effective. Most (62 respondents, 77.6%) pursue nonsurgical treatment for 5 to 14 days before considering incision and curettage. For chalazion, treatment practices are split between conservative management and invasive methods. Intralesional steroid injections are recommended by 55 respondents (68.8%), with a preference for diluted triamcinolone acetonide. Relative to hordeolum, chalazion treatment involves less frequent antibiotic use, with only 21 respondents (26.3%) always recommending antibiotic ointments. Tissue biopsy is considered for abnormal changes in the surrounding tissues (72 respondents, 90.0%) and frequent recurrence (46 respondents, 57.5%). The practices differ between pediatric and adult cases among 38 respondents (47.5%), with 31 (81.4%) extending conservative management and delaying surgical interventions in pediatric cases. Anesthesia preferences for pediatric cases varied, with 40 respondents (50.0%) favoring local anesthesia, 19 (23.8%) opting for monitored anesthesia care, and 13 (16.2%) choosing general anesthesia.

Conclusions: This survey of the management of hordeolum and chalazion by KSOPRS members has revealed several interesting common practices that are considered valuable by current practitioners.

Keywords: Chalazion; Hordeolum; Korean Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (KSOPRS); Patient care management; Surveys and questionnaires.

Fig. 1

Flowchart of the survey protocol. The survey was sent to 260 members of the Korean Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (KSOPRS), with 80 participants completing the survey. The data collection process included demographic information, followed by questions on the differential diagnosis of hordeolum and chalazion, treatment approaches for each condition, postsurgical management and follow-up, and treatment in pediatric patients.

Fig. 2

Basic information of the 80 respondents. (A) Ophthalmology experience. (B) Type of institution.

Fig. 3

Response among the 80 participants regarding the initial treatment of acute hordeolum without palpable lump (respondents could select multiple options).

Fig. 4

Response among the 80 participants regarding the initial treatment of chalazion patients (respondents could select multiple options).