From the FDA Drug Label
INDICATIONS AND USAGE: For the treatment of superficial ocular infections involving the conjunctiva and/or cornea caused by Bacitracin susceptible organisms. The answer to treating a sty of the eye with anabiotic (likely referring to antibiotic) eye drops, specifically bacitracin, is unclear because a sty is typically an infection of the meibomian gland or eyelid margin, which may not be directly addressed by the indication for superficial ocular infections.
- The FDA label does not explicitly mention sty or hordeolum (the medical term for a sty).
- Bacitracin may be used for certain types of eye infections, but its use for a sty is not directly supported by the label 1. The FDA drug label does not answer the question.
From the Research
No, a stye of the eye is not typically treated with antibiotic eye drops. The first-line treatment for a stye involves warm compresses applied to the affected eyelid for 10-15 minutes, 3-4 times daily, as this helps to bring the stye to a head and promote drainage 2. Gentle massage of the area after applying the warm compress may also help. Avoid wearing eye makeup or contact lenses until the stye resolves. Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help with discomfort. Most styes resolve on their own within 1-2 weeks with these home treatments.
Key Points to Consider
- Antibiotic eye drops are generally not effective for styes because they are localized infections of the oil glands in the eyelid, and topical antibiotics don't penetrate well into these glands.
- A study from 2022 found that the addition of an antibiotic to conservative measures for a hordeolum was not associated with an increased likelihood of treatment success 2.
- If a stye persists beyond two weeks, worsens, affects vision, or spreads to other areas, medical attention should be sought. In these cases, a doctor might prescribe oral antibiotics or, rarely, perform a minor procedure to drain the stye.
Treatment Approach
- Warm compresses and gentle massage are the primary treatments for styes.
- Avoid using eye makeup or contact lenses until the stye resolves.
- Over-the-counter pain relievers can help with discomfort.
- Medical attention is necessary if the stye persists or worsens.