The CMGs offer information on the diagnosis and management of a range of conditions that present with varying frequency in primary and first contact care.
A hordeolum is an acute bacterial infection of the sebaceous or apocrine eyelid glands. An internal hordeolum affects the Meibomian glands while an external hordeolum affects eyelash follicles and their associated glands of Zeis or Moll. An untreated internal hordeolum can develop into a chalazion or preseptal cellulitis. This Clinical Management Guideline outlines the aetiology, signs and symptoms and evidence-based recommendations for diagnosing and treating hordeola. It provides recommendations for non-pharmacological management and pharmacological treatments, and highlights that some rare cases may require referral for incision.
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What is hordeolum?
A hordeolum is an acute bacterial infection of the glands of the eyelid. An internal hordeolum affects the Meibomian (oil) glands within the eyelids whereas an external hordeolum (stye) affects the glands associated with the eyelashes. Both conditions cause red and tender swellings of the eyelid.
How is hordeolum managed?
Traditional remedies such as hot spoon bathing and/or warm compresses may relieve symptoms. In some cases, treatment with antibiotic drops or ointment is needed to speed up recovery. If there is a severe infection, antibiotic tablets may be prescribed.
Hordeolum - 28 January 2025 The predisposing factors section has been amended to include inflammatory conditions of tissue surrounding the eye as a risk factor for hordeolum formation. Accordingly, the non-pharmacological section has been amended to address any associated ocular rosacea. Further clarification of the clinical presentation has been provided in the signs and symptoms sections. The pharmacological management section has also been updated to include consideration of topical corticosteroids for severe symptomatic cases.
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