Hordeolum

Hordeolum



Larry Denk, MD



Basic Information



Definition


A hordeolum is an acute infection of one of the eyelid glands. It is essentially an abscess because pus forms within the lumen of the infected gland. When it affects the meibomian (posterior) glands, it is relatively large and is known as an internal hordeolum. The smaller and more superficial external hordeolum (stye) is an infection of the anterior glands of Moll or Zeis or an eyelash follicle.



Synonyms



Sty

Stye


ICD-9-CM Codes



373.1 Hordeolum

373.11 External hordeolum

373.12 Internal hordeolum


Epidemiology & Demographics



• The incidence and prevalence are unknown.

• No gender predilection exists.

• It may occur at any age, although it is rare in the neonatal period.


Clinical Presentation



• Abrupt onset of pain, erythema, and swelling of the eyelid is reported.

• The intensity of pain is directly proportional to the amount of eyelid swelling.

• A localized, tender mass in the eyelid, typically 5 to 10 mm in diameter, is observed.

• There may be preauricular adenopathy.

• It may be associated with blepharitis.

• An internal hordeolum may point toward the conjunctival side of the lid and may cause conjunctival inflammation.

• An external hordeolum always points to the skin surface of the lid margin and may spontaneously drain.


Etiology



• Approximately 75% to 95% of cases of hordeolum are caused by Staphylococcus aureus.
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Jun 19, 2016 | Posted by in PEDIATRICS | Comments Off on Hordeolum

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