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Hordeolum is also known as stye. It occurs when an eyelash
follicle in the lid margin becomes infected (external hordeolum) or when the
meibomian glands in the conjunctival surface becomes infected (internal
hordeolum).
Symptoms include redness, swelling, and pain. In external hordeolum the
lesion is more superficial and usually smaller. It points toward the skin
side and the obstructed glands are those of Zeiss or Moll sebaceous glands.
There is edema of the entire eyelid with exudation of purulent material.
In internal hordeolum the lesion is larger and may point either toward the
skin or to the conjunctival surface. There is suppuration on the surface of
the conjunctiva.
The most common causative organism is Staphylococcus. Warm compress on the
affected area is usually done to relieve the pain and inflammation. The
condition may spontaneously resolve even without drainage or antibiotic
treatment. Antibiotics are only given when the infection has spread. Topical
or oral antibiotics can be used depending on the severity of the infection.
Surgical drainage can be done to speed the healing process. If the condition
is recurrent then a minor eye surgery can be done to prevent further
recurrence.
This eye condition is frequently seen in individuals with high serum lipids,
those with debilitating illness, and those with diabetes, seborrhea, and
chronic blepharitis.
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