eyes

what to do about a stye or sty on the eye?

[Sandra M Brown, MD]

Apply a hot compress made by placing about 1/2 cup of uncooked white rice in a thin stocking or pantyhose.  Tie off the foot (with the rice), trim the leftover, and then microwave the rice baggy.  Depending on your microwave's power, you should microwave it for 20 - 40 seconds.  Place it over the eyelid with the stye.  The rice should stay warm for at least 3 - 4 minutes.  Do this several times per day.  It helps to soften up the clogged oils inside the stye and encourage it to drain.

If this doesn't help, see an Eye-MD for simple surgical drainage in the office.

[Sandy Feldman, MD, MS]

Dear vrj57,

A stye is an infection of the eyelid and needs to be treated by an eyeMD.

Dr. Feldman

Sandy T. Feldman, M.D., M.S.
ClearView Eye and Laser Medical Center
San Diego, California