Introduction

• Focal infection of one or more glands of the eyelids.
• Cause: usuallyStaphylococcus aureus Staphylococcus aureus.
• Signs: painful, inflamed enlargement of one or more eyelid glands.
• Diagnosis: ophthalmic examination, bacterial culture.
• Treatment: warm compresses, topical antibiotics, possibly systemic antibiotics.
• Prognosis: good.

Pathogenesis

Etiology

• Most often:Staphylococcus aureus.
• May also involve other normal bacterial flora.

Predisposing factors

• None defined.

Pathophysiology

• External hordeolum is mild infection of either the glands of Zeis or Moll in the eyelids. The common term sty is most often applied to an external hordeolum.
• Internal hordeolum is infection of a Meibomian (sebaceous) gland of the eyelid.
• The exact pathogenesis of the infection is poorly understood.
• Overgrowth of resident bacteria may occur following trauma, nonspecific inflammation, changes in local immunity, etc within the eyelids.
• Infection is usually mild and suppurative.

Timecourse

• Onset is acute (48-72 hours).
• Duration is less than 2 weeks with appropriate therapy.

Diagnosis

Treatment

Prevention

Outcomes