What is the risk associated with a hardened pus from a stye?

• A. It may progress into a chalazion.
• B. It always resolves spontaneously.
• C. It causes glaucoma.
• D. It indicates a retinal detachment.

Answer: (D)

A stye is an acute infection of eyelid glands. When the pus from that infection becomes hard and the glandduct becomes blocked, the inflamed tissue can persist and evolve into a chalazion— a chronic, noninfectious, granulomatous lump of the eyelid. So the risk being asked about is the progression from a stye with a hardened core to a chalazion. This is not related to intraocular conditions like glaucoma or retinal detachment, which involve structures inside the eye rather than the lid glands. Management focuses on promoting drainage and reducing inflammation with warm compresses and lid hygiene, with options like medical therapy or minor surgical procedures if the chalazion persists.