Certified Paraoptometric Practice Test

Which of the following eye conditions causes a small and painful lump on the eyelid?

1. Chalazion

2. Diabetic Retinopathy

3. Hordeolum (Stye)

4. Keratonconus

The correct answer is: Hordeolum (Stye)

A small and painful lump on the eyelid is typically associated with a hordeolum, commonly known as a stye. This condition arises from an acute infection of the eyelid’s sebaceous glands, often leading to red, swollen, and tender areas on the eyelid. When one of these glands becomes clogged or infected, it can form a painful bump filled with pus. In contrast, a chalazion is usually a painless lump and results from inflammation or blockage of a meibomian gland. Diabetic retinopathy involves damage to the retinal blood vessels and does not manifest as a lump on the eyelid. Keratoconus is a progressive eye condition affecting the cornea's shape and does not lead to lumps or bumps on the eyelids. Therefore, the presence of a painful lump directly indicates a hordeolum, distinguishing it from the other conditions listed.