Which statement correctly differentiates chalazion from hordeolum?

Which statement correctly differentiates chalazion from hordeolum?

• A. Chalazion is a blocked gland; Hordeolum is an infection of the gland.
• B. Chalazion is caused by viral infection; Hordeolum by allergy.
• C. Chalazion occurs only in children; Hordeolum only in adults.
• D. Hordeolum is a blocked gland; Chalazion is an infection.

Answer: (A)

The distinction hinges on what actually causes the eyelid lesion: blockage of a gland versus infection of a gland, and how that presents. A chalazion results from blockage of a Meibomian gland, leading to a sterile lipogranulomatous inflammation. It typically appears as a firm, painless lump on the eyelid and is usually not red or acutely inflamed. It’s a chronic process, not an acute infection. A hordeolum (stye) is an acute infection of the eyelid glands (external glands of Zeis or Moll, or internal Meibomian glands). It presents as a painful, red, tender swelling on the eyelid, often with warmth and possible purulent discharge. Therefore, the correct statement—that chalazion is a blocked gland and hordeolum is an infection—best differentiates the two. The other options misstate the causes (virus or allergy), age patterns, or invert the relationship between blockage and infection.

The distinction hinges on what actually causes the eyelid lesion: blockage of a gland versus infection of a gland, and how that presents.

A chalazion results from blockage of a Meibomian gland, leading to a sterile lipogranulomatous inflammation. It typically appears as a firm, painless lump on the eyelid and is usually not red or acutely inflamed. It’s a chronic process, not an acute infection.

A hordeolum (stye) is an acute infection of the eyelid glands (external glands of Zeis or Moll, or internal Meibomian glands). It presents as a painful, red, tender swelling on the eyelid, often with warmth and possible purulent discharge.

Therefore, the correct statement—that chalazion is a blocked gland and hordeolum is an infection—best differentiates the two. The other options misstate the causes (virus or allergy), age patterns, or invert the relationship between blockage and infection.