What is the treatment for a hordeolum (stye) in the Emergency Room (ER)?

A stye should not typically be treated in the emergency room unless there are severe complications. For home treatment, apply warm compresses to the affected eye for 10-15 minutes, 3-4 times daily to help bring the stye to a head and promote drainage. Keep the eyelid clean by gently washing with mild soap and water. Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen (200-400mg every 4-6 hours) or acetaminophen (500-1000mg every 6 hours) can help manage discomfort. Avoid wearing contact lenses or eye makeup until the stye resolves. If the stye doesn't improve within a week, worsens, affects vision, or spreads to other areas, see an ophthalmologist or primary care provider. They may prescribe antibiotic ointments like erythromycin or bacitracin, or oral antibiotics for more severe infections. Styes are typically caused by bacterial infection of an oil gland in the eyelid and usually resolve on their own with proper home care within 7-10 days. Emergency care is only necessary if you develop fever, severe pain, vision changes, or spreading redness beyond the eyelid.