Treatment

In most cases, a sty doesn't require specific treatment, but using warm compresses can hasten the healing. A sty typically goes away on its own. Recurrences are common.

For a sty that persists, your doctor may recommend treatments, such as:

• Antibiotics. Your doctor may prescribe antibiotic eyedrops or a topical antibiotic cream to apply to your eyelid. If your eyelid infection persists or spreads beyond your eyelid, your doctor may recommend antibiotics in tablet or pill form.
• Surgery to relieve pressure. If your sty doesn't clear up, your doctor may make a small cut in it to drain the pus.