Barleycorn, Hordeolum: Symptoms, Complaints, Signs

The following symptoms and complaints may indicate a hordeolum (sty):

Leading symptoms of hordeolum externum.

  • Painful lump on the lid margin with redness and swelling.
  • Purulent secretion – may be expressed.
  • Pseudoptosis – apparent lowering of the eyelid.
  • Lymphadenopathy (lymph node enlargement)

Leading symptoms of hordeolum internum

  • Painful lump usually visible only after ectropiony (= examination of the inside of the eyelids; to do this, the doctor must open or fold them over).
  • Conjunctivitis (conjunctivitis)
  • Chemosis – edema of the conjunctiva
  • Pseudoptosis – apparent drooping of the eyelid
  • Lymphadenopathy (lymph node enlargement)