What is the typical onset of a hordeolum?

• A. Chronic with slow progression.
• B. Acute, rapid onset.
• C. Occurs only at night.
• D. No symptoms.

Answer: (B)

A hordeolum is an acute bacterial infection of the eyelid margin glands, leading to a sudden, painful, red eyelid lump with swelling and often pus. Because it’s an infectious process, symptoms appear quickly—typically within hours to a couple of days after the infection starts. This rapid, painful onset is the hallmark that sets it apart from other eyelid conditions.

If you compare it to a chronic process like a chalazion, which arises from blockage and granulomatous inflammation and tends to be a slow, painless lump, the hordeolum’s abrupt start and tenderness fit the acute course. The notion that it occurs only at night isn’t correct, since the infection can become noticeable at any time, and the idea of “no symptoms” isn’t accurate because pain and inflammation are common.