Stye

A stye (also known as a hordeolum) is a painful infection of the sebaceous glands at the base of the eyelashes on, inside, or under the eyelid.^[1]. The infection may be internal or external. In many cases, a hordeolum may resolve without treatment; however, the inflammation may spread to other ocular glands or recur. ^[2]

A stye is usually caused by Staphylococcus aureus.^[3] They can be triggered by stress, poor nutrition or lack of sleep.^[4] A stye may be secondary to blepharitis.

A stye must be differentiated from:^[5]

• Xanthelasma
• Papilloma
• Cyst
• Pyogenic Granuloma
• Amyloid Deposition

Common risk factors in the development of hordeola are:^[6]

• Dry eyes
• Chronic blepharitis

Styes are particularly common in infants, though they may occur at any age.^[3]

The first signs are tenderness and redness in the affected area. Symptoms of a stye include:

• Swelling
• Watering of the eye
• Sensitivity to light
• Discomfort during blinking

• A localized and tender area with a pointing eruption may be seen in the affected area.^[7]
• A yellowish bump may be noted.

• Adjacent lymph nodes may be palpable.^[8]

• 
  Hordeolum. With permission from Dermatology Atlas.^[9]
• 
  Hordeolum. With permission from Dermatology Atlas.^[9]

Most cases of hordeolum resolve without treatment. Supportive therapy for hordeolum consists of warm compresses. Antimicrobial ophthalmic ointments may be administered^[3].