Definition
A hordeolum is an infection of an eyelash follicle or a nearby gland. It is also known as a stye. The infection causes a red bump on the eyelid that may look like a pimple.
An external hordeolum is outside of the lash line. An internal one is inside of the lash line.
Hordeolum (Stye) |
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Causes
A hordeolum forms when the oil from a gland of the eyelid thickens and can no longer flow. Bacteria trapped in the gland or an eyelash follicle leads to infection.
Risk Factors
Things that may raise the risk of this problem are:
- Prior hordeolum
- Having a chalazion or blepharitis
- Poor hygiene
- Stress
- Chronic illness
Symptoms
A hordeolum usually begins as a red and swollen area on or in the eyelid. It may be in one or both eyes. Often, the area is tender and painful. Other problems may be:
- Tearing of the eye
- Blurred eyesight
- Feeling like something is in the eye
- Itching in the eye
- Fluid or pus draining from the area
Diagnosis
You will be asked about your symptoms and health history. A physical exam will be done. It will focus on your eye. This is often enough to make the diagnosis.
Treatment
The goal of treatment is to ease symptoms and promote healing. Options are:
- Supportive care, such as using warm compresses to help it drain
- Antibiotics to treat infection
- A procedure to lance the hordeolum to allow it to drain
Prevention
To lower the risk of this health problem:
- Practice proper hand and face washing.
- Use contact lenses as advised.
- Do not share makeup.
- Do not use old makeup.
RESOURCES
The American Academy of Ophthalmology http://www.aao.org
The American Optometric Association http://www.aoa.org
CANADIAN RESOURCES
Canadian Association of Optometrists http://www.opto.ca
Canadian Ophthalmological Society http://www.eyesite.ca
References
Chalazion and hordeolum (stye). The Merck Manual: Professional Version website. Available at: http://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/eye%5Fdisorders/eyelid%5Fand%5Flacrimal%5Fdisorders/chalazion%5Fand%5Fhordeolum%5Fstye.html. Accessed October 22, 2020.
Hordeolum and chalazion treatment, the full gamut. Optometry Today website. Available at: https://pedclerk.bsd.uchicago.edu/sites/pedclerk.uchicago.edu/files/uploads/Treatment.pdf. Accessed October 22, 2020.
Hordeolum (stye). Johns Hopkins Medicine website. Available at: http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/healthlibrary/conditions/pediatrics/hordeolum%5Fstye%5F85,P01075. Accessed October 22, 2020.
Revision Information
- Reviewer: EBSCO Medical Review Board Daniel A. Ostrovsky, MD
- Review Date: 09/2020
- Update Date: 05/19/2021