A hordeolum is a stye. It's an acute infection, with localized swelling of the eyelid that may be external or internal. It's usually is a pyogenic (typically staphylococcal) infection or abscess. Most hordeola are external and result from obstruction and infection of an eyelash follicle and adjacent glands of Zeis or Moll glands. Follicle obstruction may be associated with blepharitis. An internal hordeolum, which is very rare, results from infection of a meibomian gland. Sometimes cellulitis accompanies hordeola.
A chalazion is noninfectious.
Common treatment include:
Hot compresses for 5 to 10 min 2 or 3 times a day can be used to hasten resolution of chalazia and external hordeola.
An external hordeolum that does not respond to hot compresses can be incised with a sharp, fine-tipped blade. Systemic antibiotics (eg, dicloxacillin or erythromycin 250 mg po qid) are indicated when preseptal cellulitis accompanies a hordeolum.
Treatment of an internal hordeolum is oral antibiotics and incision and drainage if needed. Topical antibiotics are usually ineffective.