Hordeolum
This is an acute festering inflammation of the eyelash follicles – specifically of the Moll or Zeis gland. It is most commonly caused by staphylococcus.
The initial symptoms are itching and an increased pressure at the edge of the eyelid. Swelling and reddening follows, and the inflammation may worsen, potentially resulting in a festering abscess. Subjectively it is perceived as increased sensitivity and pain when blinking. Within a few days the abscess may prolapse.
Treating hordeolum
Warm compresses speed up the process leading to a quicker emptying of the pus. Rarely it may become necessary to release the pus using a surgical incision. Once the pus is removed/disappears it is recommended to apply cold compresses to calm the eye. In cases of greater irritation, it is possible to administer local antibiotics or sulphonamides.
Hordeolum
Chalazion
Chalazion
It is an acute festering inflammation of the Meibomian gland.
The symptoms are more obvious than in case of hordeolum. Redness, pain and swelling may be observed. Several glands may be inflamed simultaneously. Often, the surrounding lymphatic glands too may become swollen. An acute inflammation may become an abscess or can pass onto a chronic form.
A chronic form of the chalazion (Meibomian cyst) is caused when the orifice of the Meibomian gland is blocked by accumulated secretions. The cyst is not painful to the touch, rather it is simply a swelling typically in the middle of the eyelid.
When the eyelid is turned inside-out, a bulge of the conjunctiva is apparent through which a reddish-purple granuloma shows.
Conservative treatment
It is not necessary to intervene if the chalazion is not causing any cosmetic difficulties and is healing spontaneously.
If we wish to soothe the eye, we use cold compresses. If we wish to speed up the inflammation process, we apply warm compresses.
Using locally administered antibiotics and sulphonamides in combination with corticoids in the form of eyedrops is standard procedure. A less common treatment is an injection of corticoids (combined with a local anaesthetic into the inflamed tissue). Overall, antibiotics only in cases where the problem is recurring and especially in patients suffering from acne or seborrheic dermatitis). In such cases the problem is more common and lengthier.
Surgical treatment
An unsuccessful conservative treatment leads to the need for surgical extraction. An incision is made under local anaesthesia – this is usually made from the conjunctiva side of the eyelid at a right angle toward the eyelid. The contents are cleansed using a surgical spoon and the area is cleaned locally using a disinfectant.