An abscess on the eyelid not involving the lacrimal duct is most commonly caused by which organism?

• A. Streptococcus pyogenes
• B. Staphylococcus aureus
• C. Pityrosporon ovale
• D. Candida albicans

Answer: (B)

Staphylococcus aureus is the typical culprit for eyelid abscesses because it is the main organism that causes localized skin and gland infections. The eyelid contains several glands (like Zeis and Moll) and hair follicles, and Staph aureus readily colonizes and can block these structures, leading to a purulent abscess. It’s the most common cause of such focal eyelid infections, more so than other bacteria.

Streptococcus pyogenes can cause skin infections and cellulitis, but it is less likely to present as a discrete eyelid abscess. The other organisms listed are fungi, which do not usually produce acute eyelid abscesses: Pityrosporon ovale is associated with seborrheic conditions and tinea versicolor, not purulent eyelid abscesses, and Candida albicans typically causes mucocutaneous or systemic involvement rather than a focal eyelid abscess.