From the Guidelines
To treat a hordeolum (stye), apply warm compresses to the affected eye for several minutes, 3-4 times daily, as this helps bring the stye to a head and promotes drainage, and is a recommended treatment option for blepharitis and related conditions, such as hordeolum, as stated in the 2024 study 1.
Treatment Approach
The treatment approach for a hordeolum (stye) should prioritize non-invasive and supportive care to promote drainage and reduce symptoms.
- Apply warm compresses to the affected eye for several minutes, 3-4 times daily, to increase blood circulation to the area and encourage the stye to drain naturally.
- Keep the eye area clean by gently washing with mild soap and water.
- Avoid wearing eye makeup or contact lenses until the stye resolves.
- Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help manage discomfort.
Important Considerations
- Never squeeze or pop a stye yourself, as this can lead to further infection or complications.
- If the stye doesn't improve within a week, worsens, affects your vision, or spreads to other areas, see a doctor who may prescribe antibiotic ointments or oral antibiotics for severe infections.
Underlying Cause
Most styes are caused by bacterial infections of an eyelash follicle or oil gland and typically resolve on their own within 7-10 days with proper home care, as mentioned in the context of blepharitis treatment 1.
Additional Guidance
The 2019 study 1 provides guidance on patient history and symptoms, which may be helpful in diagnosing and managing hordeolum, but the most recent and highest quality study 1 should be prioritized for treatment recommendations.
From the Research
Treatment Options for Hordeolum (Stye)
- There are no specific studies on the treatment of hordeolum (stye) in the provided evidence, as the studies 2, 3, 4 focused on acute internal hordeolum and did not find any relevant trials.
- However, a study on chalazia treatment 5 found that hot compresses were less effective than triamcinolone acetonide injections or incision and curettage in resolving chalazia.
- Another study on posterior blepharitis treatment 6 found that topical azithromycin ophthalmic solution 1% combined with warm compresses was more effective than warm compresses alone in improving clinical signs and symptoms.
Non-Surgical Interventions
- The use of hot or warm compresses, lid scrubs, antibiotics, or steroids may be considered as non-surgical interventions for hordeolum (stye), but there is no evidence to support their effectiveness 2, 3, 4.
- Topical azithromycin ophthalmic solution 1% has been shown to be effective in treating posterior blepharitis when combined with warm compresses 6, but its effectiveness in treating hordeolum (stye) is unknown.
Surgical Interventions
- Incision and curettage is a surgical intervention that has been shown to be effective in treating chalazia 5, but its effectiveness in treating hordeolum (stye) is unknown.
- Triamcinolone acetonide injections have been shown to be effective in treating chalazia 5, but their effectiveness in treating hordeolum (stye) is unknown.