67 138 Definition An acute inflammation of an eyelash follicle or the associated gland of Zeis (sebaceous) or Moll (apocrine sweat gland). Staphylococcus aureus is the infectious agent in 90 to 95 per- cent of cases of styes. Characteristics Begins with lacrimation and photophobia, a “foreign body” sensation, pain, and redness of the eyelid margin with a small, round, tender area of induration. Edema generally is present along with blurred vision. A small yellowish spot, indicative of pus, appears in the abscess. The abscess soon ruptures with discharge of exudate and relief of pain. Risk factors that increase the likelihood of developing a stye include history of styes chronic disease or poor health chronic eyelid inflammation or infections eye makeup diabetes ele- vated blood lipids, including high cholesterol poor hygiene or unclean environment or skin conditions such as seborrheic dermatitis. Policy Evaluate employee in the occupational health unit and refer for medical treatment if needed. Objectives Clinical Assessments and Interventions Referral for Medical Action Stye (Hordeolum) ● Difficulty with vision. ● If stye does not drain and an abscess forms. ● Spread of infection to tissue of eyelid. Follow-up Actions ● Instruct employee to cleanse eye- lid daily with neutral soap and to wash hands thoroughly after touching skin around eye. ● Advise employee not to rub eye or squeeze stye to prevent infection from spreading to adjacent tissue. ● Counsel against sharing or wear- ing eye makeup until eye is clear dispose of all old makeup be- cause it may be contaminated. ● Counsel on use of contact lenses with stye avoid wearing contact lenses, especially the soft or per- meable types, while there is any kind of eye infection. Determine extent and location of problem. Relieve symptoms and prevent infec- tion. ● Determine onset and duration of symp- toms. Inquire about pain and visual distur- bances. ● Assess visual acuity. Inspect eyelids for in- flammation, swelling, and discharge. Pal- pate eyelids for induration. ● Apply warm moist compresses for 10 to 15 minutes 3 to 4 times a day. This should in- duce drainage and resolution of stye in about 2 to 3 days. ● Apply topical antibiotic drops or ointment per standing order. Guideline continues on next page