What is a hordeolum (stye)?

• A. A chronic dry eye condition.
• B. A allergic reaction of the eyelid.
• C. A viral conjunctival infection.
• D. An infection and inflammation of the eyelid, commonly referring to an infected eyelash follicle.

Answer: (D)

A stye is an acute infection and inflammation of the eyelid margin, most often arising from an infected eyelash follicle (or sometimes a meibomian gland). This causes a painful, red, localized lump at the lid edge, often with purulent discharge. It’s typically treated with warm compresses and eyelid hygiene, and may require topical antibiotics for external styes or antibiotics if the infection involves deeper glands. It’s distinct from chronic dry eye (a tear-film issue, not an infection), an allergic eyelid reaction (usually itchy with swelling but no purulent lump), and a viral conjunctival infection (affects the conjunctiva with eye discharge, not a tender eyelid nodule).