A stye (hordeolum) is a common, painful bump on the eyelid caused by an infection of an eyelid gland. Many people seek quick relief using eye drops, but their effectiveness is often misunderstood. Most eye drops are designed to treat the eye’s surface, not the deeper, localized infection of a stye. This article evaluates which treatments, including eye drops, actually work to resolve the condition.
Understanding What a Stye Is
A stye is an acute, localized bacterial infection that forms a tender, red bump along the edge of the eyelid. The infection typically involves oil-producing glands in the eyelid, most commonly caused by the bacterium Staphylococcus aureus. This bacterium is commonly found on the skin, but it can cause an infection when a gland opening becomes blocked by dead skin cells or oil.
The blockage and subsequent infection lead to pus formation inside the gland structure. An external stye involves the sebaceous glands near the eyelash follicles, while an internal stye is an infection of the deeper meibomian glands within the eyelid. Both types cause localized swelling, redness, pain, and tenderness, sometimes accompanied by light sensitivity or the feeling that something is in the eye.
Evaluating Eye Drop Effectiveness
The primary challenge with using eye drops to treat a stye is that the infection is deep within the glandular tissue, not on the eye’s surface. Therefore, most topical drops cannot penetrate the eyelid tissue effectively enough to address the root cause of the infection. The goal of treatment is to encourage the stye to drain naturally, which eye drops generally do not facilitate.
Over-the-counter antibiotic eye drops and ointments are generally not recommended because they are designed to treat surface bacterial infections like conjunctivitis. Since a stye is an internal gland infection, these products often fail to reach the bacteria, making them ineffective. Prescription antibiotic drops or ointments may be prescribed by a doctor, but typically only if the stye is persistent or if the infection has spread.
Steroid eye drops are anti-inflammatory agents that a healthcare provider might use for severe swelling, but they are not a first-line treatment. These drops must be used with caution and under medical supervision, as steroids can potentially worsen an underlying bacterial infection or delay resolution. Using them without a prescription is discouraged due to the risk of complications.
Lubricating or artificial tear drops do not treat the infection but can provide temporary relief from irritation or dryness. Swelling from the stye can sometimes disrupt the tear film, and these drops simply help soothe the eye’s surface. Redness-relief drops, which cosmetically whiten the eye by constricting blood vessels, should be avoided completely. They do not contribute to healing and may cause further irritation to the already inflamed eyelid.
Proven Home Care and Self-Treatment
The most effective treatment for a stye is the consistent application of a warm compress. Heat helps liquefy the thick secretions blocking the oil gland and promotes the natural drainage of pus. A clean washcloth should be soaked in warm (not scalding) water, wrung out, and applied to the closed eyelid for 10 to 15 minutes. This process should be repeated three to six times daily until the stye begins to drain and heal.
Maintaining proper eyelid hygiene is also helpful, which involves gently cleaning the lid margin with a diluted solution of mild baby shampoo or a specialized commercial eyelid scrub. This cleaning removes debris and bacteria from the area, helping to prevent further blockages.
Avoid squeezing, popping, or attempting to drain the stye manually, as this can spread the bacterial infection deeper into the eyelid tissue. While the stye is active, temporarily stop contact lens wear to reduce the risk of spreading bacteria. Eye makeup should also be avoided until the eyelid is fully healed to prevent contamination and further irritation.
Knowing When to Seek Professional Care
Most styes resolve on their own within one to two weeks with consistent home treatment. However, certain signs indicate the need for professional medical evaluation. Consult an eye care professional if the stye does not show improvement after 48 to 72 hours of home care, or if pain or swelling worsens after the first few days.
Immediate attention is needed if swelling or redness spreads beyond the eyelid to involve the cheek or other parts of the face, signaling a spreading infection. Other concerning symptoms include any change in vision, excessive bleeding from the stye, or a persistent fever. If a stye becomes chronic or recurs frequently, a doctor may perform a minor in-office procedure, such as incision and drainage, or prescribe oral antibiotics.