Hordeolum (Stye)

Description

• An acute inflammation or infection of the eyelid margin involving the sebaceous gland of an eyelash (external hordeolum) or a meibomian gland (internal hordeolum)
• System(s) affected: skin/exocrine
• Synonym(s): internal hordeolum; external hordeolum; zeisian stye; meibomian stye; stye

Epidemiology

• Predominant age: none
• Predominant sex: male = female

Incidence
Unknown: Although external hordeolum is common, internal hordeolum is rare.

Etiology and Pathophysiology

• Bacterial infection of sweat or sebaceous glands, causing an acute inflammatory reaction
• In an internal hordeolum, the meibomian gland may become obstructed, leading to a pustule on the conjunctival surface as opposed to the margin of the eyelid.
• Most commonly caused by Staphylococcus aureus (~90–95% of all cases) or by Staphylococcus epidermidis
• Seborrhea can predispose to infections of the eyelid.

Genetics
No known genetic pattern

Risk Factors

• Poor eyelid hygiene
• Previous hordeolum
• Contact lens wearers
• Application of makeup
• Seborrheic dermatitis
• Predisposing blepharitis (low-grade infections of the eyelid margin)
• Ocular rosacea

General Prevention

Eyelid hygiene

Commonly Associated Conditions

• Acne
• Seborrhea
• An association may exist between hordeolum during childhood and developing rosacea in adulthood.