EXTERNAL HORDEOLUM (STYE)

It is an acute suppurative inflammation of gland of
the Zeis or Moll.
Etiology
1. Predisposing factors. It is more common in
children and young adults (though no age is bar)
and in patients with eye strain due to muscle
imbalance or refractive errors. Habitual rubbing
of the eyes or fingering of the lids and nose,
chronic blepharitis and diabetes mellitus are
usually associated with recurrent styes. Metabolic
factors, chronic debility, excessive intake of
carbohydrates and alcohol also act as predisposing
factors.
2. Causative organism commonly involved is
Staphylococcus aureus.
Symptoms
These include acute pain associated with swelling of
lid, mild watering and photophobia.
Signs
Stage of cellulitis is characterised by localised,
hard, red, tender swelling at the lid margin associated
with marked oedema (Fig. 14.11).
Stage of abscess formation is characterised by a
visible pus point on the lid margin in relation to
the affected cilia.
Usually there is one stye, but occasionally, these
may be multiple.
Treatment
Hot compresses 2-3 times a day are very useful in
cellulitis stage. When the pus point is formed it may
be evacuated by epilating the involved cilia. Surgical
incision is required rarely for a large abscess.
Antibiotic eyedrops (3-4 times a day) and eye
ointment (at bed time) should be applied to control
infection. Anti-inflammatory and analgesics relieve
pain and reduce oedema. Systemic antibiotics may
be used for early control of infection. In recurrent
styes, try to find out and treat the associated
predisposing condition.