What is the treatment for a hordeolum (stye)?

A stye, or hordeolum, can be treated at home with warm compresses applied to the affected eyelid for 10-15 minutes, 3-4 times daily. This helps bring the stye to a head and promotes drainage. Gently massage the area after applying the warm compress to help release the trapped material. Avoid wearing eye makeup or contact lenses until the stye heals. 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. Never squeeze or pop a stye yourself. If the stye doesn't improve within a week, becomes increasingly painful, affects vision, or spreads to other areas, see a doctor. They may prescribe antibiotic eye drops or ointment such as erythromycin or bacitracin for bacterial infections. In persistent cases, a doctor might surgically drain the stye. Styes occur when oil glands in the eyelid become infected with bacteria, typically Staphylococcus, causing inflammation and pain.