Hordeolum (stye)

• An external hordeolum is caused by a staphylococcal infection of an eyelash follicle.
• External hordeolum tend to affect children and young adults and are also known as a stye.
• An internal hordeolum is an infection of a meibomian gland and is far less common.
• External hordeola present as tender, red eyelash follicle swellings
• Hordeolum tends to point inwards whereas a Chalazion tends to point outwards and be further up the lid
• Hordeola often resolve spontaneously. Patients should be encouraged to perform warm compression of the eyelid multiple times a day to reduce swelling.
• Other treatment options include:

  • Removal of the eyelash associated with external hordeolum
  • Incision of the hordeolum with a fine sterile needle
  • Topical antibiotics (e.g. chloramphenicol) or oral antibiotics (e.g. co-amoxiclav) if the hordeolum is recurrent or severe