What best describes a hordeolum?

What best describes a hordeolum?

• A. A clogged, infected oil gland in the eyelid.
• B. A viral conjunctival infection.
• C. A dry eye condition.
• D. A benign eyelid tumor.

Answer: (A)

A hordeolum is an acute infection of one of the eyelid’s oil glands, leading to a clogged, infected gland in the lid. It typically presents as a painful, red, tender nodule at the eyelid margin, often with swelling and sometimes purulent material at the edge. The usual culprit is Staphylococcus aureus. Management focuses on warmth and lid hygiene, with topical antibiotics if needed, and it often resolves on its own or with simple treatment. This contrasts with viral conjunctivitis, which causes diffuse conjunctival redness and discharge rather than a focal infected gland; dry eye presents with irritation and tearing related to tear film instability rather than a tender lump; and a benign eyelid tumor is a mass that is not acutely inflamed or infected.

A hordeolum is an acute infection of one of the eyelid’s oil glands, leading to a clogged, infected gland in the lid. It typically presents as a painful, red, tender nodule at the eyelid margin, often with swelling and sometimes purulent material at the edge. The usual culprit is Staphylococcus aureus. Management focuses on warmth and lid hygiene, with topical antibiotics if needed, and it often resolves on its own or with simple treatment. This contrasts with viral conjunctivitis, which causes diffuse conjunctival redness and discharge rather than a focal infected gland; dry eye presents with irritation and tearing related to tear film instability rather than a tender lump; and a benign eyelid tumor is a mass that is not acutely inflamed or infected.