AIM:To analyze the composition, distribution and characteristics of the elderly primary ocular tumors.

METHODS: This was a retrospective study and all 504 cases with primary ocular tumors aged 60 years or older were collected in Shanxi Eye Hospital, during the year 2000-2012. The onset age, location and pathological pattern were analyzed.

RESULTS: There were 346 cases of benign ocular tumors(68.7%), and 158 cases of malignancy(31.3%).Papillomas was the most common type of the benign with 83 cases(16.5%), followed by a variety of inflammatory cysts and lesions with 69 cases(13.7%)and 64 cases(12.7%)respectively. Among malignant tumors cases, eyelid basal cell carcinoma originated from epithelial was the most common with 72 cases(14.3%), followed by skin appendages sources malignant tumors with 39 cases(7.7%). Concerning the location of ocular tumors, there were 282 cases of eyelid tumor(56.0%)occupied the first position followed by conjunctival tumor with 157 cases(31.2%).

CONCLUSION: The prevalence and type of primary ocular tumor in elderly people are significant differences from the general population and children's, and the proportion of malignant tumors tended to increase along with the increase of age.