Certified Ophthalmic Assistant Practice Exam

What can a chalazion in the upper lid potentially cause?

1. Eye strain

2. Loss of vision

3. Increased tear production

4. Color vision deficiency

The correct answer is: Loss of vision

A chalazion, which is a cyst in the eyelid caused by the blockage of a meibomian gland, primarily affects the structure of the eyelid and can lead to complications that may impact vision. When a chalazion forms, it can cause swelling and pressure on the eyeball, particularly when located in the upper lid. This swelling might lead to distortion of the visual field or obstructive effects on the eye's surface, which can result in issues such as blurred vision or discomfort that might affect how well the eye functions overall. In some cases, if the chalazion is significant enough, it may result in secondary effects such as astigmatism due to the change in curvature of the eyelid affecting how light focuses in the eye. While it's less common for a chalazion to cause direct loss of vision, the presence of the cyst and resultant inflammation could potentially create an environment where visual acuity may be compromised. The other options, such as eye strain, increased tear production, and color vision deficiency, are typically not direct consequences of a chalazion. Eye strain usually arises from factors like prolonged screen time or inadequate corrective lenses rather than eyelid abnormalities. Increased tear production is generally a response to irritation or inflammation