Acute localized infection or inflammation of the eyelid margin, usually caused by staphylococcal infection

Aetiology

• Can be:
  • External - appears on the eyelid margin, caused by infection of an eyelash follicle or associated gland
  • Internal - occurs on the conjunctival surface of the eyelid, caused by infection of a Meibomian gland
• Risk factors include chronic blepharitis and acne rosacea

Clinical features

• An acute-onset painful, localized swelling (papule or furuncle) near the eyelid margin that develops over several days
• Usually unilateral but can be bilateral

Management

• Symptoms typically resolve within 5–7 days, once the stye has spontaneously ruptured or been drained
• Warm compresses can be used to encourage the stye to drain