Eye stye medical term: hordeolum explained

Hordeolum is the clinical word used for a stye. An external hordeolum develops near an eyelash and can look like a small painful spot at the lid margin. An internal hordeolum forms deeper in an eyelid gland and may cause more general lid swelling. Both can cause tenderness, redness, watering, and a sensation of something in the eye.

The term describes the eyelid finding, not the cause of every red or irritated eye. [Eye Discharge](/symptoms/eye-discharge/) and [Red Eye](/symptoms/red-eye/) may occur for other reasons, so a clinician considers the full pattern and examines the eye when needed.

Place a clean, comfortably warm compress over the closed eyelid for several minutes and repeat it through the day. Keep hands and the eyelid clean. Do not pierce the swelling or use leftover antibiotic or steroid drops. Stop contact lenses and eye makeup until discomfort and swelling have cleared.

If the diagnosis is uncertain, symptoms are recurrent, or the lump remains, arrange a [GP Consultation](/treatments/consultations-and-assessment/gp-consultation/). Tell the clinician whether the swelling is at the lash line or deeper inside the lid.

Seek prompt advice for spreading redness, increasing swelling, worsening pain, blurred vision, or feeling feverish. Urgent assessment is needed for severe pain with reduced vision, double vision, or pain when moving the eye. A persistent or repeatedly returning lump should be examined even if it is not very painful.

You could ask: Is this an external or internal hordeolum? Could it be a chalazion or another eyelid problem? Which products should I stop? How should I clean the lid, and when should I come back?