Problems after chalazion removal

I had a small chalazion on my left upper lid removed in August last year and ever since then my eyelid and sometimes also the cornea have been inflamed. Sometimes more, sometimes less, but since the surgery I have never been symptom free . The symptoms are tenderness and sometimes puffiness of the eyelid, a feeling that a foreign object is stuck under my eyelid, burning, pain or itching of the eyelid. Also, the eye is extremely sensitive to dry air, smoke, even something like cutting onions can make the inflammation worse for days after.

I was on steroid ointments for weeks until they made my eye pressure go up, then I was given antibiotic ointments, then drops and oral antibiotics. Currently I am on oral azithromycin. I thought it was the scar from the surgery that has been causing this pain and discomfort, but two eye doctors have said the scar looks fine and shouldn't be giving me trouble. They both said I am suffering from chronic blepharitis and plugged meibomian glands, and prescribed warm compresses and massages which I have been performing for about two months now with little result.

My question is: If this is a chronic condition, why didn't I have any of these symptoms before the surgery? My chalazion was causing me far less aggravation and pain than I am experiencing now. I don't understand how the surgery could have triggered this and I am somewhat at my wits' end, especially because none of the prescribed treatments are helping. I really regret getting this surgery and just want to get my eye back to what it was before so maybe one day I can wear my contact lenses again. Any ideas?

[Ray T Oyakawa, MD]

Chalazion are usually caused by chronic infection (blepharitis).  When the body can no longer control the infection you get a stye and that becomes a chalazion.

Dr. O.

[Klute72]

Hm. That doesn't really answer my question, I know what a chalazion is, but thanks anyway.

[Ray T Oyakawa, MD]

Well. How about this.  You have heart problem and you go in to see a doctor and you get referred to a cardiologist and they put in a sent.  Since then you are having more heart problems and you blame it on the stent.

Dr. O.

[Klute72]

Okay, I understand. What treatment would you suggest after all I have already tried?

[Klute72]

I have now learned that lid surgery can actually trigger blepharitis.