Hordeolum(Stye)

If the area around the eye is red, swollen, painful or itchy, you may have a hordeolum.
Hordeolum is a condition caused by a bacterial infection of the glands that secrete oil and sweat near the eyelash line. These are called meibomian glands.
Although hordeolum is a common disease, don’t assume you’re okay – if left untreated they can become more severe and take longer to heal, so it’s best to see an eye doctor as soon as possible.

In this article, we will cover the following topics:

・Types and symptoms of Hordeolum
・Complementary treatments
・Helpful prevention measures

Hordeolum is caused by a bacterial infection of the sebaceous or meibomian glands (also called tarsal glands) in the eyelid at the lash line.
They can cause inflammation and suppuration, and the area around the eyelid can become red, swollen, painful and itchy.
People usually call above condition stye, even though hordeolum is the formal name.

Role of the Meibomian Gland

Meibomian glands are located in the upper and lower eyelids and have small openings along the inside of the eyelash line. They are responsible for secreting oil.
The oil secreted by the meibomian glands covers the surface of tears, which moisturize the eyes and supply oxygen, creating an appropriate oil film. As a result, tears are resistant to evaporation.
Conversely, if the meibomian gland isn’t functioning properly, tears evaporate and the eye becomes dry, which can lead to dry eye.

What is Hordeolum

There are two main types of hordeolum. One is internal hordeolum, bacterial infection and inflammation of the meibomian glands on the inside of the eyelid. Another is external hordeolum, inflammation of sebaceous glands in the eyelash follicles.
Localized redness appears on the eyelid, often accompanied by mild pain and itching. As the inflammation worsens, the redness, swelling and pain increase. As suppuration progresses, pus accumulates in the swollen area. Once the pus is released, the condition begins to improve, but it is important to note that the condition can become severe.
The bacteria that causes this condition is mainly Staphylococcus aureus, which can cause an infection if you touch your eyes with contaminated fingers.
Staphylococcus aureus is found in the throat, nose, fingers, hair, etc. of healthy people. Normally, there is little risk of infection, but if your eyes are injured or your body’s immune system is weakened, symptoms are more likely to appear, so you need to be careful.

About Chalazion

Chalazions, like hordeolum, are common conditions caused by a blockage of the meibomian gland’s outlet, which leads to inflammation and the formation of fatty deposits called granulomas.
The main symptoms of chalazion are swelling of the eyelid and a foreign body sensation. However, in many cases, lumps may form on the inside of the eyelid without pain or redness. When accompanied by inflammation, the symptoms are similar to those of hordeolum (stye), and are called acute chalazion, which can be quite difficult to distinguish from hordeolum.
Note that leaving the area around the eye unclean with bacteria increases the likelihood of clogging of the meibomian glands.

Hordeolum is common condition, many people think it’s treated easily. However, it should be noted that there are cases of serious illness.
Especially, internal hordeolum can cause severe pain as it progresses, and also become infected and swell to a large size, producing pus.

Use of eye drops, ointments, and oral medications

Antibiotic eye drops, ointments, and oral medications are generally used to treat hordeolum.
They often heal within about a week of starting treatment, but if treatment is started after symptoms have worsened, it may take longer to heal.
If you feel that you have a hordeolum, it is effective to visit an ophthalmologist as soon as possible to receive treatment.
Chalazions will not heal without treatment, so examination and treatment by an ophthalmologist are essential.

Removal

In the early stages of a chalazion, it can be treated with eye drops or eye ointments, but if the swelling is severe or the area becomes infected, surgery may be required to remove the granuloma.
Small chalazions may be absorbed after treatment, but larger ones may need to be cut open to drain the pus.
Children are especially difficult to treat with surgery, and long-term use of strong drugs is undesirable. Therefore, early ophthalmologic consultation is even more important.

Effective preventive countermeasures to avoid developing hordeolum include keeping the area around the eye clean and warm.
Avoid touching your eye area unnecessarily, as dirty hands and fingers can worsen symptoms and slow recovery.
Wash your hands frequently as a precaution. It is especially important to wash your hands every time you put in or take out your contact lenses.

Meibomian Gland Care

Devices that allow the meibomian to flow smoothly are effective in preventing hordeolum.
Warming the eyelids with a warm steamed towel for a few minutes and lightly massaging the eyelids after the use of the warm towel can be helpful. However, warming must be avoided when inflammation is present.
Eye makeup to the inside of the eyelashes can cause blockage of the meibomian. Eyelash extensions are also not a good preventative measure, as they can block the meibomian glands and impair the cleanliness around the eyes.

Maintain normal immune function.

People with weakened immune systems are more susceptible to bacterial infections, so children, the elderly, and those with underlying illnesses should be especially careful.
Even healthy people should avoid sleep deprivation and poor dietary habits, as these factors can lead to a weakened immune system.

Correct use of contact lenses

Always use contact lenses according to the instructions on the package. Dirty lenses increase the risk of allergies and infections.
If you develop a hordeolum, discontinue use to avoid potentially worsening your condition.

Is Hordeolum contagious?

Not everyone will get a hordeolum, as it is an inflammation caused by bacteria or a fatty blockage, whereas infectious conjunctivitis, caused by a virus for example, is easily contagious.

I heard that hordeolum heals without treatment, so can I leave it untreated?

We recommend that you visit an ophthalmologist because it is not recommended to self-diagnose and wait for natural healing. Hordeolum, which is caused by a bacterial infection, often worsens as the infection spreads.
There is also a high possibility that the bacteria will remain deep in the eye and recur, so it is important to treat it properly with medication.

How long does it take to heal chalazion?

If the symptoms are only swelling, it will heal in about a week with the use of eye drops or ointments. However, if the “lump” is large, it may take several months to heal completely.