Description

• Result from inflammatory processes involving the glands of the eyelid along the lash line:
  • Hordeolum – acute inflammation of 1 or more glands of the eyelid
  • Chalazion – _a sterile, focal, chronic inflammation of an obstructed meibomian gland
• Hordeolum:
  • Develops from outflow obstruction in 1 or more of the glands of the eyelid
  • Obstructed glands often become secondarily infected
  • May progress to localized abscess formation or may be complicated by preseptal cellulitis
• Chalazion:
  • Chronic, granulomatous inflammation in the meibomian gland:
    • Originates from inspissated secretions with blockage of the gland’s duct at the eyelid margin resulting in release of the contents of the gland into the surrounding eyelid soft tissue
    • A lipogranulomatous reaction ensues
    • Occasionally, chalazia become secondarily infected
    • May evolve from incompletely drained internal hordeolum

Etiology

Hordeolum:

• Often secondarily infected:
  • Staphylococcus most common, usually S. aureus
• Predisposing conditions:
  • Meibomian gland dysfunction
  • Blepharitis
  • Rosacea
  • Previous hordeolum