Stye and chalazion

Styes (hordeola) are typically tender to palpation, while chalazia are not.

Dacryoadenitis (infection or inflammation of the lacrimal gland) and dacryocystitis (infection of the lacrimal sac) can be confused with stye; their respective locations (lateral upper lid and inferior to the medial epicanthus) are key.

Most styes and chalazia resolve with warm compresses and topical antibiotics.

Recurrent lesions may require biopsy to exclude carcinomas. Recurrent chalazia may require excision.

A stye, also known as a hordeolum, is caused by an acute infectious process involving localised abscess formation at the upper or lower eyelid. One of 3 glands is typically infected: the meibomian glands or the glands of Zeis and Moll (ciliary glands). Staphylococcus aureus (most common) and S epidermidis are typically involved, and the eyelid appears erythematous and swollen in addition to being tender to palpation.

Chalazia are non-infectious inflammatory conditions caused by a foreign body reaction to sebum released by meibomian glands.