From the Research
For a hordeolum externum, or external stye, I recommend warm compresses applied to the affected area for 10-15 minutes, 3-4 times daily, to help bring the stye to a head and promote drainage, as the use of antibiotics has not been shown to significantly improve treatment outcomes 1. The most recent and highest quality study, published in 2022, found that the addition of an antibiotic to conservative measures for a hordeolum was not associated with an increased likelihood of treatment success 1. Some key points to consider when treating a hordeolum externum include:
- Avoiding touching or squeezing the stye to prevent further irritation and potential infection spread
- Discontinuing contact lens wear and eye makeup until the infection resolves to minimize the risk of complications
- Considering the use of topical antibiotics, such as erythromycin ophthalmic ointment, if the stye is particularly large or painful, although the evidence for their effectiveness is limited 1
- Monitoring the stye for signs of improvement or worsening, and seeking further medical attention if necessary. It is essential to prioritize the patient's quality of life and minimize the risk of morbidity and mortality when treating a hordeolum externum, and the current evidence suggests that conservative measures, such as warm compresses, are a safe and effective first-line treatment approach 1.