Hordeolum Internum

Just like other organs of the body, the eyes too fall prey to a number of diseases and disorders. Conditions that affect the eye can occur internally or externally around the eye, hair like the eyelashes and even the surrounding areas of the eye. One such disease of the eye is hordeolum internum.

Also called a stye, it is an acute purulent infection that affects the meibomian gland of the eye. If one has been diagnosed with an internal infection of the meibomian sebaceous glands present on the inner lining of the eyelids, they will find useful information regarding this condition in the following story.

Also called a sty (stye), hordeolum is an infection of the oil glands present in the eyelid. These glands are called the meibomian glands that secrete lubricants to keep the eyeball moist. This infection occurs after the glands are clogged or due to an infection at the base of an eyelash hair follicle. It is a term used to describe a stye present due to the inflammation of meibomian gland under the gland.

In about 95% of the cases, Staphylococcus aureus is the main cause of the infection. An external hordeolum occurs when the Zeiss or Moll sebaceous glands are blocked and infected. Internal hordeolum occurs due to a secondary infection affecting the meibomian glands of the tarsal plate.

It is usually seen as a complication of blepharitis. Hordeolum or styes are common in infants and can affect people of all ages. It is generally triggered due to poor nutrition, lack of hygiene, continuous rubbing of eyes and even sleep deprivation. It can spread due to sharing of towels and washcloths.

The signs and symptoms of an internal hordeolum include presence of a yellow bump filled with pus. This bump or lump causes localized swelling of the upper or lower eyelid. This swelling causes a lot of pain and redness. The eyelid becomes tender to touch and causes eyelid drooping. The eye becomes irritated, sensitive to light and suffers from discomfort when blinking.

The treatment includes use of a warm compress. If the swelling and pus does not reside after 48 hours of warm compress, the doctor may suggest an incision to drain the pus. The patient is given pain reliever medications as well as antibiotics in some causes.

Topical antibiotic ointments will help in preventing the infection from spreading. The patient is asked to avoid any form of eye make up completely, till fully recovered. Patients are also advised to avoid touching or rubbing the eye continuously. This may aggravate the condition and spread the infection.

In very conditions, it progresses to chalazion. This is a cosmetic deformity that can lead to corneal irritation. Chalazion requires surgical removal to avoid further complications. You may find the name a bit intimidating, but it is mostly a harmless eye condition. With proper treatment, styes are easily treated and healed without any kind of complications.

Proper hygiene like washing hands frequently will help prevent the spread of external as well as internal hordeolum. Never share your towels and cosmetics with anyone to prevent spread of infection. If one experiences a painful, red lump on or inside their eyelid, they should seek consultation from an experienced ophthalmologist immediately.