Styes (hordeola) are acute, tender lumps caused by infection of eyelid glands, but external and internal types involve different structures. Both usually result from staphylococcal infection.
External Styes
An external stye is an infection of a lash follicle or associated gland of Zeis or Moll at the lid margin. It appears as a small, red, painful swelling with a visible point on the outer lid edge.
- Often looks like a pimple at the base of an eyelash
- May come to a head and discharge at the lid margin
- Frequently associated with blepharitis
- Warm compresses usually help it drain and resolve
Internal Styes
An internal stye is an infection of a meibomian gland located within the tarsal plate of the lid. Swelling tends to be deeper and felt on the inner surface of the eyelid.
- Causes diffuse, tender swelling of part of the lid
- May evolve into a firmer chalazion as acute infection settles
- Treatment includes warm compresses, lid hygiene, and sometimes antibiotics
- Incision and drainage may be needed if it fails to resolve
