Summary
Definition
History and exam
Key diagnostic factors
- acute pain of eyelid only
- pustule at eyelid margin
- pustule at tarsal conjunctiva
- palpable non-tender nodule
- lack of constitutional symptoms
- lack of eye pain
- lack of intra-ocular pathology
Other diagnostic factors
- chronic swelling of eyelid
- age 30-50 years
- history of blepharitis and ocular rosacea
- astigmatism and blurred vision
Risk factors
- age 30-50 years
- blepharitis and ocular rosacea
- seborrhoeic dermatitis
- elevated serum cholesterol
- diabetes mellitus
- poor eyelid hygiene
- ethnic origin
- tuberculosis
Diagnostic investigations
Treatment algorithm
Contributors
Authors
Christopher McStay, MD
Associate Professor of Emergency Medicine
Vice Chair of Clinical Operations
Department of Emergency Medicine
Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons
New York
NY
Disclosures
CM declares that he has no competing interests.
Peer reviewers
Nickisa Hodgson, MD, MAS
Assistant Professor
Oculoplastic Surgery
Downstate Medical Center
Brooklyn
NY
Disclosures
NH declares that he has no competing interests.
Gus Gazzard, MA, MBBChir, MD, FRCOphth
Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon
King's College Hospital
Honorary Research Fellow
Institute of Ophthalmology
London
UK
Disclosures
GG declares that he has no competing interests.
References
Key articles
The College of Optometrists. Clinical management guidelines: hordeolum. Feb 2023 [internet publication].Full text
Carlisle RT, Digiovanni J. Differential diagnosis of the swollen red eyelid. Am Fam Physician. 2015 Jul 15;92(2):106-12.Full text Abstract
Gordon AA, Danek DJ, Phelps PO. Common inflammatory and infectious conditions of the eyelid. Dis Mon. 2020 Oct;66(10):101042. Abstract
The College of Optometrists. Clinical management guidelines: chalazion (meibomian cyst). Feb 2023 [internet publication].Full text
Reference articles
A full list of sources referenced in this topic is available here.
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