A 25-year-old woman presents with acute-onset painful, tender swelling at the eyelid margin associated with a localized staphylococcal infection of the meibomian gland. There is pointing on the conjunctival surface. What is the correct term for this condition?

• A Internal hordeolum ✓
• B External hordeolum (stye)
• C Chalazion
• D Blepharitis

Explanation

Internal hordeolum is an acute suppurative infection of the meibomian gland, pointing toward the conjunctival surface and causing painful lid swelling. External hordeolum (stye) involves the gland of Zeis or Moll at the lash follicle and points to the skin surface. Chalazion is a sterile lipogranulomatous inflammation of the meibomian gland, painless and chronic. The conjunctival pointing with meibomian gland involvement is pathognomonic for internal hordeolum.

Reference: Parsons' Diseases of the Eye, 23rd ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.