From the Research
The treatment for an eye stye (hordeolum) primarily involves warm compresses and good eyelid hygiene, with antibiotics not showing a significant improvement in resolution rates, as indicated by the most recent study 1. The application of a clean, warm compress to the affected eye for 10-15 minutes, 3-4 times daily, helps bring the stye to a head and promote drainage. Gently massaging the area after applying the compress can also aid in the healing process. It is essential to avoid wearing eye makeup or contact lenses until the stye resolves and never squeeze or pop a stye, as this can spread infection. Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen (200-400mg every 4-6 hours) or acetaminophen (500-1000mg every 4-6 hours) can help manage discomfort. Some key points to consider in the treatment of hordeolum include:
- The use of warm compresses as a first-line treatment
- The importance of good eyelid hygiene
- The potential role of over-the-counter pain relievers in managing discomfort
- The need to avoid squeezing or popping the stye to prevent infection spread
- The consideration of medical attention if the stye does not improve within a week, becomes increasingly painful, affects vision, or recurs frequently According to the study 1, the addition of an antibiotic to conservative measures for a hordeolum was not associated with an increased likelihood of treatment success, suggesting that antibiotics may not be necessary for the treatment of hordeolum in most cases.