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A stye is a localized infection or inflammation of the eyelid
margin involving hair follicles of the eyelashes (ie, external
hordeolum) or meibomian glands (ie, internal hordeolum). A
chalazion is a painless swelling of the meibomian glands.
A stye usually is a painful, localized swelling. The entire
lid may be swollen. |
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| CAUSE |
Blockage and infection of the sebaceous glands or a secondary
infection of the meibomian glands of the eyelid. |
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Untreated, the disease may spontaneously resolve or it may
progress to the formation of a painless mass known as a chalazion.
A chalazion can be quite large and can cause visual disturbance.
Sometimes a generalized swelling and infection of the eyelid
may occur if left untreated. |
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The usual complaint is of a localized painful swelling on
one eyelid, generally starting as a pricking pain on blinking. |
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In some cases, the complaint may start as a generalized swelling
and redness of the lid that later becomes localized. |
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Recurrences
are common. |
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| Styes are found more
frequently in persons who have the following: |
Diabetes
Chronic blepharitis [lid infection]
Seborrhea
High serum lipids (High lipid levels increase the blockage
rate of sebaceous glands)
Small unprescribed refractive error |
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| TREATMENT |
Hot
soaks (4 times a day for 15 min) are the mainstay of treatment. |
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Antibiotics
are indicated only when inflammation has spread beyond the
immediate area of the hordeolum. |
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Topical
antibiotics may be used for recurrent lesions and for those
that are actively draining |
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Can
be prevented with good lid hygiene. |
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