What do Stye products treat?
Stye products are used to treat eye symptoms associated with a stye, including burning, stinging, or itching of the eye.
A stye is a small, often painful, lump that forms on your eyelid. Stye products help with the uncomfortable symptoms, but they cannot treat the infection associated with a stye. If your stye worsens or fails to heal within a week or two, consult your doctor.
Stye products work because of the different ingredients they contain:
- Emollients (such as mineral oil and white petrolatum): These help lubricate your eyes to keep them moist.
- Eye Lubricants (such as polyvinyl alcohol and povidone): These also help keep your eyes moist and comfortable.
Some Stye products contain no medicine and are used along with medicated products:
- Warming Compress: This can be used to help manage styes and dry eyes because the warmth may help the stye drain.
- Eyelid Cleansing Wipes: These are used to help remove eye irritants, such as oil or debris.
Talk to your health care provider to see if Stye products may be right for you.
What are the possible side effects of Stye products?
Stye products are generally safe to use. Side effects may vary depending on the ingredients in the specific product you are using. Some possible side effects include stinging, burning, or irritation of your eye.
Stop using the medicine if you develop a rash or hives. Get medical help right away if you have signs of a serious allergic reaction, such as trouble breathing or swelling of the face, lips, or throat.
What should I know before using Stye products?
Stye products are used to help with your stye symptoms. Stye products come as an eye drop and an eye ointment. Stye products cannot treat an infection caused by a stye. If your stye gets worse or does not heal on its own after a week or two, call your health care provider.
Wash your hands before using any Stye products. Do not touch the tip of the product to any surface. This may help prevent contamination or an eye infection.
It is important to close your eyes after administering Stye products. This helps spread the medicine around all areas of your eye. If you are using the eye drops, close your eyes for 10-20 seconds after using the product. If you are using the ointment, close your eyes for a minute. It is not recommended to wear contact lenses when you have a stye.
Stop using Stye products and call your health care provider if you have any of the following.
- Eye pain
- Changes in vision
- Redness or irritation of the eye
- Eye condition worsens or lasts more than 72 hours
There may be side effects, additional warnings, and interactions with other medicines that are not listed here. These may vary depending on the combination of ingredients in the specific Stye product you are using. Always check the label before taking any over-the-counter medicine. Do not use more than the recommended dose. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about your health conditions and other medicines to help determine which products are safe for you.
Choosing the right Stye product
For burning, stinging, or itching
These products contain ingredients that lubricate and moisturize your eyes to help with discomfort.
| Product | Active Ingredients |
|---|---|
| Stye Sterile Lubricant Eye Ointment | Emollients (mineral oil, white petrolatum) |
| Stye Sterile Lubricant Eye Drops | Lubricants (polyvinyl alcohol, povidone) |
Nonmedicated relief
| Product | Use |
|---|---|
| Warming Compress | Helps manage styes and dry eyes |
| Eyelid Cleansing Wipes | Helps remove eye irritants, such as oil or debris |