After chalazion removal...

It's been a month since I had a chalazion removed from my upper eyelid and the eye seemed to be recovering quite well right after the surgery, so I was happy I had done it. However, after about two weeks the progress has ceased, without the eyelid returning to its normal shape (it still looks a bit inflated with small redness, but admittedly much less than before the surgery). It has been like that without any change for the last two weeks, but what concerns me is that every other night I now wake up in the middle of the night and when I open my eyes, I feel this itchiness bordering light pain, as if I had a foreign object under my eyelid. It's a rather unpleasant feeling  and usually I need to get up, put a cold compress or something. After a few minutes, the itchiness usually calms down, but going back to sleep isn't very easy... so in fact I feel quite tired from this whole thing and wonder if this will ever settle down. My eye certainly doesn't yet feel normal. I imagine this feeling might be still related to the scar from the surgery, but I am not so sure. During the day, I don't feel any strong discomfort and the itchiness really appears only during the night. I do try to apply the hot compress as often as I can, but there has not been much effect so far. I was wondering if this is common after chalazion removal surgery and what are other people's experiences. Thanks

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS, FAAO]

Yes it is common. Use the search feature and archives to read more. Also read the sections about how to prevent more chalazia from developing.

JCH MD

[erikl]

Thank you for the response. I guess I will continue the warm compresses with the hope that it gets better.

In trying to locate the cause of this, I decided to change my habits and pay more attention to the hygiene, like using baby shampoo etc., but I was wondering if there are any known suggestions for the specific diet, vitamin intake... that helps when the chalazion has appeared?

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS, FAAO]

No lid hygeine is most important. Use SteriLid or Occusoft Foam eyelind cleaner instead of baby shampoo. Over the counter. Both do the same thing so use only one.  All US Chain drug stores carry them and can buy over the internet.

JCH MD