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Referral
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Stye Pathway
Scope
A stye is a small abscess of the lash root on the eyelid. It appears as a painful yellow lump on the outside of the eyelid where the lash emerges. It is also known as an external hordeolum.
Signs and Symptoms
- Watery eye
- Red eye and eyelid
- Tenderness
- Small tender red, white or clear swelling that appears along the outer edge of the eyelid
- Centred on an eyelash follicle
- Removal of the associated lash may help drainage
- Warm compress (see Lid Hygiene)
Consider anti-infective eye preparations, see Antibacterials
If facial cellulitis is suspected consider oral antibiotics, see Skin and soft tissue infections – (facial) cellulitis
Referral Criteria
- Very rarely require referral
- Spreading preseptal cellulitis not responding to oral antibiotics requires Urgent referral
Referral instructions
Specialty: Ophthalmology
Clinic Type: Oculoplastics/Orbits/Lacrimal
Service: DRSS-South Devon & Torbay-Ophthalmology-Optom Only- Devon ICB- 15N
Pathway Group
This guideline has been signed off by NHS Devon
Publication date: May 2022
