How To Treat An Eye Stye

The issue of how to treat an eye stye is often the first question that arises when you are told that you have a hordeolum. A hordeolum, also known as a stye, is a small abscess that forms when an oil gland in your eye becomes blocked. When an eye stye forms it may appear like a small lump and will most often drain naturally within a week. There are, however, ways that you can treat an eye stye to encourage and speed up the draining process.

To treat an eye stye properly you'll need:

• Cloth

1. Make a warm compress. Create the compress by holding a clean cloth under warm water. Wring the cloth of any excess water and fold it in half and then in half again.
2. Run water in the tap until it is very warm. Fill a bowl with the warm water. Dip your compress into the water so that it is thoroughly saturated. Wring out excess water so that there is minimal dripping.
3. Place the warm compress over the eye with the stye. Keep your eye closed and hold it in place until the compress begins to cool. Dip the cloth back into the warm bowl of water, wring and place it back over the eye as needed. Continue for ten to fifteen minutes.
4. Repeat the warm compress four to five times daily for a period of three to four days. Visit your ophthalmologist if the stye does not drain after four days. Your doctor may treat the eye stye by performing a minor in-office procedure to drain it. Antibiotic drops or ointment are other options that your doctor may choose in an effort to treat your stye.

 Tip: Use a clean cloth for each warm compress treatment.

 Warning: Do not attempt to puncture the stye on your own. This may result in an infection.