From Chalazion to Ptosis: Why Pronunciation Matters in Oculoplastic Surgery
- Jean-Paul Abboud, MD, PhD
- 12 hours ago
- 2 min read
At the recent 2025 Spring Scientific Symposium of the American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery (ASOPRS) in Napa, CA, I had the opportunity to give a short, light-hearted talk on a topic that doesn’t usually make it to the OR table—but maybe should: how we pronounce the words we use every day in oculofacial plastic surgery.
Whether you're a seasoned surgeon, a resident, or a curious patient reading this post, chances are you've hesitated before saying the word chalazion. Or maybe you've silently questioned why the “p” in ptosis is never pronounced. You're not alone—and you're not wrong to wonder.
Chalazion: More Than a Stye
Let’s start with chalazion. Often mispronounced as chuh-LAY-zee-un, its true pronunciation is closer to KUH-lay-zee-un. The term comes from the Greek word khalázion (χαλάζιον), meaning "hailstone"—a reference to the firm, round lump that forms in the eyelid. The initial “ch” in chalazion comes from the Greek letter chi (χ), which represents a voiceless velar fricative—a guttural sound not native to English, but approximated with a “kh” or hard “h” sound. In Greek, it’s more of a breathy "h" sound than a “ch” as in cheese.
Ptosis: The Silent Letter That Speaks Volumes
Then there’s ptosis (πτῶσις), the drooping of the upper eyelid. The “p” at the beginning is a vestige of the Greek root ptōsis, meaning "a falling." In Greek, the combination of pi (π) and tau (τ) creates a voiceless plosive—a punchy, percussive sound. But in English, this has softened over time, and the "p" has gone silent. Still, knowing where the word comes from helps us respect its structure—and avoid miscommunications when teaching, dictating notes, or collaborating internationally.
Why It Matters
This isn’t just academic trivia. In a field as precise and detail-oriented as oculoplastic surgery, words matter. Mispronunciations can lead to confusion, especially in multi-disciplinary teams, educational settings, and patient communication. When we understand where these words come from—and how they were originally intended to be spoken—we're not just linguistically accurate; we're more thoughtful clinicians.
A Nod to the Classics
Medicine is filled with terms rooted in Greek and Latin. Embracing their origins reminds us of the long, rich lineage we’re part of. It’s a subtle but meaningful way to elevate our communication—and show respect for the language of our craft.
Watch the Talk
Click below to watch my short presentation on the more commonly mispronounced terms and their true origins.
It’s light-hearted, educational, and just might change the way you pronounce a few old favorites.
Because in surgery—and in speech—precision matters.
Dr. Abboud is an oculofacial plastic surgeon in San Diego who is an expert on cosmetic and reconstructive eyelid surgery and facial aesthetics. He is board-certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology (AAO) and is a member of the American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (ASOPRS).
If you are considering eyelid surgery and would like to have an in-person consultation with Dr. Abboud, please call our office us at 858.356.2647 to schedule an appointment and learn more.
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