From the Guidelines
A hordeolum, or stye, can be treated at home with warm compresses applied to the affected eyelid for 10-15 minutes, 3-4 times daily, as this helps bring the stye to a head and promotes drainage, according to the most recent guidelines on blepharitis management 1.
Treatment Overview
The treatment approach for a hordeolum focuses on relieving symptoms, promoting drainage, and preventing infection. Key components of treatment include:
- Applying warm compresses to the affected eyelid
- Gently massaging the area after applying the compress to help with drainage
- Avoiding wearing eye makeup or contact lenses until the stye heals
- Using over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen for discomfort
Medical Intervention
If the stye persists beyond a week, worsens, affects vision, or spreads to other areas, medical intervention may be necessary. A doctor may prescribe antibiotic eye drops or ointment such as erythromycin or bacitracin 1. It's crucial to follow the prescribed treatment and avoid squeezing or popping the stye, as this can spread infection.
Prevention
Proper eyelid hygiene can help prevent recurrence of styes, which occur when oil glands in the eyelid become infected with bacteria, usually Staphylococcus. Regular cleansing of the eyelids and maintaining good hygiene practices are essential in preventing future episodes.
From the Research
Treatment for Hordeolum (Stye)
- There are no research papers that directly address the treatment for a hordeolum (stye) 2, 3.
- However, studies on the treatment of chalazia, which is a similar condition, suggest that hot compresses, lid scrubs, antibiotics, or steroids may be effective treatments 4, 5.
- A study on the treatment of chalazia found that hot compresses alone or in combination with tobramycin or tobramycin/dexamethasone drops and ointment are effective first-line treatment options 5.
- Another study on the treatment of congenital dacryocele, a condition that can be similar to a hordeolum, found that warm compresses, massage, and topical antibiotics can be effective in resolving the condition 6.
- It is worth noting that the effectiveness of these treatments for hordeolum is not directly established by the available evidence, and more research is needed to determine the best course of treatment 2, 3.