1. Background

• infection of a ciliary follicle within the eyelid margin -> spread of infection to the glands of Zeis or Moll -> abscess formation -> external hordeolum or stye -> small, superficial swelling which points to the lid margin
• infection may be acute or subacute
• Staph. aureus is the usual cause
• an internal hordeolum refers to the formation of an abscess involving the meibomian glands and results in lesions that are larger and point through the skin or conjunctival surface
• in rare cases, recurrent styes may indicate an immunologic defect

1. Ophthalmologic Manifestations

• tender, red, focal swelling of the eyelid margin
• recurrence is common

2. Complications

• cellulitis of the eyelid or orbit

1. Medical

• frequent warm compresses
• topical ophthalmic antibacterial agents (i.e., Garamycin, Sodium Sulamyd)
• systemic antibiotics for cellulitis

2. Surgery

• surgical incision and drainage is indicated if the stye is unresponsive to medical management

1. Rudolph, A.M., Rudolph's Pediatrics. 19th Edition. p. 1896, (1991).