Operational Medicine 2001
Chalazion (Sty, Hordeolum)

Definition: 

Sty (hordeolum) a focal acute infection arising within the meibomian gland or other glands at the eyelid margins

Chalazion is a focal chronic inflammation of a meibomian gland that occurs as a result of a resolved sty.

Signs/Symptoms: 

• Eyelid pain
• Swelling
• Localized tenderness and redness  

Differential Diagnosis:

• Preseptal cellulitis of the anterior lids
• Pyogenic granuloma
• Tumors of the eyelid:
  • Sebaceous gland carcinoma
  • Basal cell carcinoma
  • Squamous cell carcinoma

Causes:  

• Commonly caused by staphylococcal organisms colonized in the meibomian glands of the eyelids. 
• Can be associated with blepharitis

Evaluation:

 History

Visual acuity

Examination of the eyelids for nodules

If a slit lamp is available evaluate the meibomian gland orifices for clogging.

Treatment:

Warm compresses for 20 minutes 4 times a day

Lid scrubs with mild soap (Johnson’s baby shampoo) twice a day           

Consider topical antibiotic erythromycin ointment at bid.

Incision and curettage are preformed if chalazian not resolved.

Prognosis:

This is not generally a debilitating problem

The patient may return to work and perform the warm compresses in the workspace.   

This section provided by CAPT Robert B. North, Jr., MC, USN

Approved for public release; Distribution is unlimited.

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Operational Medicine 2001
Health Care in Military Settings

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