A large chalazion can cause astigmatism due to pressure on the cornea.

As laser eye surgery involves shaping the cornea by burning parts of it away, weakening its
structure,post-operation, people can be left predisposed to deformation of the cornea from
small chalazia.

Complications including hypopigmentation may occur with corticosteroid injection.

Recurring chalazia in the same area may sometimes be a symptom of sebaceous cell
carcinoma, albeit rarely.

Sometimes, as a last resort, surgery is performed. The eyelid is injected with a local
anesthetic, a clamp is put on the eyelid, then the eyelid is turned over, an incision is made on
the inside of the eyelid, and the chalazion is drained and scraped out with a curette. A scar on
the upper lid can cause discomfort as some people feel the scar as they blink. Of course, as
surgeries are intrusive and damage healthy tissue (e.g., leaving behind scar tissue or possibly
even causing blepharitis), given other options, less intrusive treatment is always preferable.
Similarly, chalazia may recur once the eye is predisposed and surgical intervention each time
is not possible. So surgery should be considered only as a last resort, performed on as few as
5% of all people with chalazia.

Blocked meibomian glands may also be treatable with hot towels, which soften the oils in the
gland.