What Eye Drops Are Good For a Stye? A Guide to Safe and Effective Treatment

October 8, 2025 •

4 min read

The American Academy of Ophthalmology notes that most styes will resolve on their own within a week or two with simple at-home care. While eye drops are often considered for eye issues, knowing what eye drops are good for a stye is crucial, as the wrong type can exacerbate the problem rather than help.

Quick Summary

This guide clarifies which types of eye drops are appropriate for treating a stye, distinguishing between prescription antibiotics and over-the-counter options, while highlighting proper application methods and when to consult a doctor.

Key Points

Warm compresses are the primary treatment: Applying a warm, moist compress for 10-15 minutes, several times a day, is the most effective way to encourage a stye to drain and heal on its own.
Prescription antibiotic drops are for severe cases: Eye doctors may prescribe antibiotic eye drops or ointments for persistent or spreading infections, but they are not needed for most minor styes.
Over-the-counter lubricating drops offer symptom relief only: Artificial tears can help soothe the irritation and dryness associated with a stye but do not treat the bacterial infection.
Avoid homeopathic and redness-relieving drops: Unregulated homeopathic 'stye drops' are not recommended, and redness-relieving drops can cause rebound irritation without addressing the root cause.
Do not pop or squeeze the stye: Attempting to drain a stye yourself can push the infection deeper into the eyelid, making it worse.
Practice proper eyelid hygiene: Gentle cleaning with eyelid wipes or a mild cleanser can help prevent future styes, especially if you have a condition like blepharitis.
See a doctor if symptoms persist or worsen: Medical attention is necessary if a stye doesn't improve after 48 hours of home care, if the swelling or redness spreads, or if vision is affected.

A stye, or hordeolum, is a common and painful bacterial infection of an oil gland near the base of an eyelash. Symptoms include a red, tender lump on the eyelid, swelling, and sometimes a burning or gritty sensation. For most minor styes, simple home care, particularly consistent application of warm compresses, is the most effective treatment. Eye drops have a specific and sometimes limited role in managing this condition.

Prescription Eye Drops for Styes

For most styes, antibiotic treatment is not necessary, as the condition typically resolves on its own. However, if the infection is persistent, severe, or has spread, a healthcare professional may prescribe antibiotic medication.

Prescription eye drops are used to target the bacterial infection directly. They are more potent than anything available over the counter and are reserved for more serious cases. Your doctor will determine if this treatment is necessary and which medication is most appropriate.

Common Prescription Eye Drops

Tobramycin: An antibiotic often used for bacterial eye infections.
Tobradex/Maxitrol: Combination drops containing both an antibiotic (tobramycin or neomycin) and a steroid to reduce inflammation.
Azithromycin 1.5%: An antibiotic that may be prescribed for purulent (pus-filled) eye infections.

It is critical to follow your doctor's instructions precisely when using prescription medication. Never use someone else's prescription eye drops or use expired medication.

Over-the-Counter Eye Drops: What Helps and What to Avoid

Not all over-the-counter (OTC) eye drops are suitable for a stye. The key is to choose products that provide lubrication and soothing relief without aggravating the infection or causing rebound issues.

Lubricating Eye Drops (Artificial Tears)

These drops can be beneficial for alleviating some of the associated discomfort, such as dryness and irritation. They work by coating the eye's surface, which can protect against friction from the internal hordeolum. Examples include:

Systane Lubricant Eye Drops
Refresh Tears
GenTeal Tears

Lubricating Ointments

OTC lubricating ointments, like those marketed for dry eye relief, can provide a thicker, longer-lasting protective barrier. These are often used at night due to their thick consistency, which can cause temporary blurry vision. However, some ointments can potentially clog oil glands further, so consult your doctor before regular use.

Products to Avoid

Homeopathic 'Stye Eye Drops': These products are not reviewed by the FDA for effectiveness or safety. Many contain questionable or irritating ingredients, and some are known to contain toxins. Avoid products labeled as homeopathic remedies for styes.
Redness-Relieving Eye Drops: Drops containing vasoconstrictors (like Visine) should be avoided. They reduce redness by constricting blood vessels but do not address the infection. Overuse can cause rebound redness and irritation.
Contact Lens Solutions: Never use contact lens solution to flush or treat a stye, as it can contain harsh cleaning agents unsuitable for direct application to the eye.

Proper Application of Eye Drops

Using eye drops correctly is crucial to prevent contamination and ensure efficacy. Always wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before beginning.

Step-by-Step Application

Preparation: Remove contact lenses before use. Do not wear contact lenses while you have a stye.
Positioning: Tilt your head back slightly and pull your lower eyelid down gently with one finger to create a small pocket.
Application: Hold the dropper over the pocket and squeeze gently to instill one or two drops as directed. Do not let the tip touch your eye, eyelashes, or any other surface.
Distribution: Close your eye for 30 to 60 seconds to allow the drops to spread across the surface.
Clean Up: Replace the cap securely and wash your hands again.

Comparison of Treatment Options


Feature	Prescription Antibiotic Drops	OTC Lubricating Drops	Homeopathic 'Stye Drops'	Warm Compresses	Eyelid Hygiene Wipes
Function	Eliminates bacterial infection	Relieves dryness and irritation	Ineffective, potentially harmful	Promotes drainage and healing	Removes bacteria and debris
Availability	Prescription only	Over-the-counter	Over-the-counter	At home (washcloth, warm water)	Over-the-counter
Effectiveness	Effective for severe bacterial infection	Soothing for symptoms only	Not clinically proven	Highly effective for most cases	Supportive, helps prevent recurrence
Risks	Side effects, allergic reaction	Minimal risk; check ingredients	Unsafe, unregulated	Burns if too hot	Irritation from improper use
Primary Role	Treat serious, persistent styes	Symptom relief for irritation	Should be avoided	Primary home care for most styes	Cleaning and prevention

Conclusion

In most instances, a stye will resolve with proper home care, with warm compresses being the most important first step. While OTC lubricating eye drops can help manage dryness and irritation, they do not treat the underlying bacterial cause. It is crucial to avoid potentially unsafe homeopathic products and inappropriate redness-relieving drops. For styes that do not improve, worsen, or affect vision, a doctor's consultation is necessary, as they may prescribe antibiotic eye drops or ointment. Always prioritize good eyelid hygiene and consult a healthcare provider if you have any concerns about a persistent stye.

For more information on eye health, consider consulting an authority on the topic, such as the American Academy of Ophthalmology.

Frequently Asked Questions

A stye is typically painful, red, and tender, forming at the edge of the eyelid from a bacterial infection. A chalazion is a less painful, firm bump deeper in the eyelid, caused by a blocked oil gland that is not infected. Initial treatment with warm compresses is similar for both.

Most styes are temporary and will resolve on their own, often within one to two weeks, especially with consistent warm compresses and good hygiene.

You should see a doctor if the stye doesn't improve after 48 hours of home treatment, if the redness and swelling spread, if you experience changes in your vision, or if the stye is bleeding or forming blisters.

No, you should avoid wearing eye makeup and contact lenses until the stye has completely healed. This prevents contaminating your products and lenses, which could cause a new infection.

Styes are generally not contagious, but the bacteria that caused the infection can be spread. It is important to wash hands frequently and avoid sharing towels or washcloths to prevent spreading the bacteria.

Warm compresses work by increasing blood circulation and helping to soften the clogged oil gland, which promotes drainage and speeds up the healing process.

Specialized eyelid wipes or a diluted baby shampoo solution can be used to clean the eyelids. This helps to remove bacteria and debris that contribute to styes and other conditions like blepharitis, which can be a risk factor.