What is Hordeolum? A hordeolum is an acute bacterial infection of the glands of the eyelid. An internal hordeolum affects the Meibomian (oil) glands within the eyelids whereas an external hordeolum (stye) affects the glands associated with the eyelashes.

A stye looks like a small red bump or boil filled with pus usually seen at the edge of the eyelid. It's often tender to touch and is caused due to inflammation of oil-producing glands in the eye.

Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited. Most bumps on the eyelid are styes. An eye stye, or hordeolum, is an inflamed oil gland on the edge of your eyelid, where the eyelash meets the lid.

An internal hordeolum is typically present in only one eye at a time, though it’s possible for it to affect both eyes. While an internal stye is not nearly as common as its external counterpart, it can be more painful, last longer, become chronic, or harden into a cyst or chalazion. SEE RELATED: How long does a stye last?

Yes, a stye (also known as a hordeolum) can form in the middle of the eyelid. Styes are usually caused by an infection of the oil-producing glands located at the base of the eyelashes. When the gland becomes infected, it can cause a red, tender bump to form on the eyelid. Styes can form on the inner or outer edge of the eyelid, but they can also form in the middle of the eyelid. They can be painful and cause swelling and redness in the affected area. Styes usually go away on their own within a few days or weeks, but warm compresses can help to alleviate the symptoms and speed up the healing process.

Stye is usually formed at the base of eyelids. It is red, swollen bump at the edge of the eyelid that looks like a pimple. They are often filled with pus and are painful.