Hordeolum & Chalazion
Jennifer Farah, MD; Jessica Mason, MD; and Mel Herbert, MD
Background
- Hordeolum (aka stye)
- Acute Staphylococcus infection of meibomian oil gland near the tip of the lid edge
- Chalazion
- Noninfectious, painless occlusion of the meibomian oil glands causing eyelid inflammation at the lid’s midportion
Clinical Findings
- Hordeolum
- Presents as a painful red nodule/pustule, usually near the lid edge at a hair follicle
- Chalazion
- Presents as a hard, usually painless swelling of the mid portion of the lid (not at the lid’s edge), usually on the upper lid
Management
- Hordeolum
- Warm compress
- Erythromycin ointment
- Chalazion
- Warm compresses
- Erythromycin ointment if local infection
- Surgical excision or steroid injection
How You Will Be Tested
- They love to show pictures of these so get a good visual and keep it in mind
- Treatment is the same for both
- Location is the main distinction between hordeolum and chalazion