WHAT IS THE TREATMENT FOR A STYE?

* Be aware that the recommended treatments of illnesses are always being improved. This website was last update on 11/1/2024. The best treatment option MIGHT have changed since that time.

1. Warm Compresses for 10 minutes three times a day (little evidence of help)

2. Antibiotic Drops
- Erythromycin Ointment to eye lid
- Tobramycin Eye Drops into the eye

3. Oral Antibiotics (especially if there is redness extending from Stye)
- Erythromycin 250 mg orally 4 x /day
- Dicloxacillin 250 mg 4 x / day

4. Incision and drainage - (done by Ophthalmologist, this is sometimes necessary for internal Styes that are putting pressure on the outer layer of eye ball, the cornea)

5. Injection with a cortisone - (done by Ophthalmologist, this is sometimes necessary for internal Styes that are putting pressure on the outer layer of eye ball, the cornea)

CAUTION:

1. A Stye very closely resembles a Chalazium. A Chalazium, unlike a Stye, is not caused by a bacterial infection. It is caused a gland close to they eye (the Meibomian gland) being clogged. Antibiotics are ineffective for Chalaziums.

2. There are several types of cancers that can occur in the same areas as a Stye. Some of these are Basal Cell Carcinoma, Sebaceous Gland Carcinoma, and Squamous Cell Carcinoma.

3. There are other infections that can occur around the eye: Pneumo-Orbita, Preseptal Cellulitis, Dacryocystitis, and Canaliculitis. These last two, Dacryocystitis and Canaliculitis, occur toward nose side of the eye.

4. Although antibiotics help to treat many people with styes, they do not always work. If you are not starting to feel better after 24 hours on antibiotics, call your provider. Perhaps you need a change of medication.

6. All medication, including all antibiotics eye drops and antibiotic pills, have a risk of side effects.

7. Possible mild side effects are nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, itching, and light to severe rash.

8. Possible severe side effects are a sever rash, an anaphylactic allergic reaction (leading to the inability to breathe and subsequent death if not treated rapidly), or a Clostridioides difficile infection (C-Diff).

Consult “Epocrates.com” for each Specific Medication’s possible “Adverse Reactions.” Side effects are also referred to as “Adverse Reactions.” Epocrates.com will tell you both “common reactions” and “serious reactions.” You will have to create an account, but it is simple, fast, and free.

WHAT IS THE SYMPTOMS OF A STYE (HORDEOLUM)?

The symptom of a Stye (Hordeolum) is a swollen tender bump on the eyelid. This bump can either be on the inside of the eyelid (Internal), or on the outside of the eyelid (external).

WHAT IS THE CAUSE OF A STYE (HORDEOLUM)?

The cause of a Stye has two parts. There is an a obstruction of the eye lash follicle and gland. And in addition there is an infection of a gland. There are several glands that can be infected. There are two that are most commonly cause external Styes. One of the gland is called Zeis gland and the other is called the Moll gland. Internal Styes, which occur less commonly, usually results from infection of a Meibomian Gland.

The bacteria that usually causes the Stye infection is Staphylococcus Aureus.

HOW IS A STYE USUALLY DIAGNOSED?

Diagnosis of a Stye can be made by a careful history and visual inspection.