-IBIS-1.5.0-
tx
eyes/ears/nose/throat
sty
diagnoses

definition and etiology

definition: An acute localized pus-forming infection of either the meibomian glands (internal sty) or the glands of Zeis or Moll (external sty). Medical term is "hordeolum".

etiology: The usual bacterial agent is Staphylococcus. Hordeoli are associated with blepharitis.

signs and symptoms

Internal sty: occurs on the underside of the lid next to the conjunctiva.
• Pain.
• Redness.
• Edema.
• Small yellow area or elevation of the lid on the conjunctival side: usually an abscess develops at that spot, though it rarely spontaneously suppurates.

External sty: occurs on the lid margin.
• Pain.
• Redness.
• Tenderness.
• Formation of a small area of induration: it develops a yellow spot ("pointing") that eventually is the area through which the abscess ruptures, bringing relief of pain.
• Local edema.
• Occasional photophobia and/or lacrimation.

course and prognosis

Normally resolve quickly, but recurrences are common.

differential diagnosis

• Chalazion.
• Blepharitis.


footnotes