Hordeolum & Chalazion

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