STYE (EXTERNAL HORDEOLUM)

Stye is an acute suppurative inflammation of glands of Zeis due to staphylococci infection and is common in young adults and debilitated persons.

Clinical features:

Ø  Acute pain and tenderness over inflamed Zeis gland, seen as a localised painful and hard swelling seen near the lid margin.

Ø  The lid margin is red and oedematous.

Ø  An abscess may form which points near the base of the lash.

Ø  The pain subsides after evacuation of the pus.

Non- pharmacological treatment:

l  Dry hot fomentation applied frequently in early stage is useful.

Pharmacological treatment:

1.       Evacuation of the pus by pulling the involved lash or incising the abscess.

2.       Antibiotic eye drops and ointment- to control and prevent spread of infection (fluoroquinolones e.g. moxifloxacin 0.5% eye drops 4 to 6 hourly until infection subsides)

3.       Systemic antibiotics (e.g. Tab. amoxicillin with clavulanic acid 625 mg TDS for 5 days) For pain and inflammation e.g. Tab. ibuprofen 400 mg TDS till inflammation subsides.

Patient education:

Maintain ocular hygiene to prevent recurrence.