What is a Hordeolum (Stye) and How is it Treated?

A hordeolum is a bacterial infection of the eyelid oil glands which causes a small, painful bump to form on the eyelid. A hordeolum is sometimes referred to as a stye. With treatment, a hordeolum can resolve in a few days to a week and have no long-term effects.
 

The Oil Glands in the Eyelids

In the upper and lower eyelid, there are oil glands which produce oil for the tears and the eyelashes. These oil glands are specialized and are only found in the eyelids. One type of these oil glands are Meibomian glands, or internal oil glands. The Meibomian glands are found inside the eyelid and open onto the eyelid border and the front of the eye. Meibomian glands produce an oily component to help the tears be more stable and not evaporate as quickly.

The other type of oil gland in the eyelid is called a gland of Zeiss. These oil glands are found at the base of the eyelashes and produce an oily substance to help lubricate the eyelashes. 
 

Bacterial Infection of the Eyelid

The eyelid skin is particularly susceptible to an infection from germs like bacteria because the eyelid skin is much thinner than the rest of the skin in the body and the eyelids are frequently exposed to many germs from touching the eyes. There are three possible outcomes for a bacterial infection of the eyelids. The infection can remain mild and diffuse across the eyelid and cause blepharitis or inflammation of the eyelid, the infection can become severe and cause inflammation and swelling of the entire eyelid called pre-septal cellulitis, or the infection can become localized in an oil gland and form a hordeolum. The most common bacteria to infect the eyelids are staph species and strep species because these bacteria are readily found on the skin and in the environment. 
 

Signs and Symptoms of a Hordeolum

A hordeolum will cause a characteristic red, painful bump on the eyelid. The size and appearance of the bump will vary with the type and severity of the hordeolum. The pain associated with a hordeolum is a key symptom to differentiate from other eyelid bumps. Pus or mucus may also accumulate and begin to excrete from the bump if it is near the surface of the skin. 
 

Different Types of Hordeolums

Depending on the type of oil gland that is infected, there are two types of hordeolums. Internal hordeolums are a result of an infection in a Meibomian gland while external hordeolums are associated with the glands of Zeiss. An internal hordeolum will be less defined when viewing the eyelid and will be more apparent when the eyelid is flipped to show the underneath side of the eyelid.
 

How to Treat a Hordeolum

To treat a hordeolum, antibiotic eye drops or antibiotic pills may be used. Since the infection is ongoing, there is a need to reduce the amount of bacteria in the eyelid. Along with the antibiotic medication, warm compresses and eyelid hygiene wipes can be used to alleviate the symptoms and reduce the likelihood of a recurrence of the infection. 

Our eye doctor at The Optical Centre in Longmont, CO excels in prescription of glasses, contact lenses and the diagnosis of a variety of eye diseases. Call our optometrist at 303-772-6650 or schedule an eye exam appointment online if you would like to learn more about or are experiencing a hordeolum. Our eye doctor, Dr. Erica Whitmire provides the highest quality optometry services and eye exams in Longmont, Colorado and its surrounding areas.