Stye (hordeolum)

Background

Eyelid glands.png
  • External - arises from blockage and infection of Zeis (sebaceous) or Moll (sweat) glands
  • Internal - arises from blockage and infection of meibomian glands

Clinical Features

External stye
Internal stye
  • Pustule of eyelid
  • Usually accompanied by pain, edema, and erythema

Differential Diagnosis

Periorbital swelling

Proptosis

No proptosis

Lid Complications

Other

Evaluation

  • Clinical diagnosis, based on history and physical exam

Management

  • Warm compresses
  • Avoid eye makeup
  • Antibiotics
    • Consider oral antibiotics (with staph coverage) if patient has concurrent periorbital cellulitis (rare)
    • Little evidence that topical antibiotics are helpful

Disposition

  • Discharge
  • Refer to ophtho if no improvement within 1-2 weeks

See Also

External Links

References