10 best eye drops for stye

Barley on the eye is an infectious and inflammatory disease of the hair follicle or fatty gland of the eyelash. Often the appearance of the disease is associated with contamination of the eyelids and weakened immunity. The main reason for the development of barley is the penetration of infection. People who stay in a dusty or smoky room for a long time are at risk. The disease can develop against the background of diabetes mellitus, demodicosis, chronic blepharitis, and anemia.

The first symptoms of stye are redness, itching, swelling, which tend to increase. After a few days, a formation appears on the edge of the eyelid. The formed capsule either breaks through on its own or is opened by a surgeon. This is accompanied by the discharge of purulent secretion. Next, the skin defect heals.

To eliminate barley, doctors prescribe remedies for systemic (tablets) and local use. One of the most effective methods of treating ophthalmic diseases is the use of eye drops. In this article we will talk in detail about which drugs are best to use for barley.

Top 3. Tsiprolet

Rating (2020): 4.46

302 reviews from resources were taken into account: Yandex.Market, Otzovik, Doctors.rf, Otabletkah, Protabletky

Characteristics
Manufacturer: Dr. Reddy's (India)
Active ingredient: ciprofloxacin

Tsiprolet eye drops are successfully used in the treatment of stye, as well as other superficial infectious diseases. This is one of the most effective antimicrobial agents at an affordable price. Drops quickly relieve inflammation and discomfort in the eye area. Side effects when used correctly are excluded. Combination with other medications is allowed. In reviews there are opinions that these eye drops help get rid of stye in just 1 day, but only in the initial stages of its development. The product does not sting the eyes and mucous membranes. After instillation, it is better to lie on your back for 1-2 minutes. It is worth considering that Tsiprolet is allowed to be used only after 12 years; the shelf life after opening the bottle is 1 month.

Advantages and disadvantages

Affordable price
Wide spectrum of action
Convenient bottle with dispenser
Helps quickly, especially in the initial stages of the disease

After opening, shelf life is no more than 1 month.
Not allowed for children under 12 years old

Complications

Without proper treatment, stye on the upper eyelid can lead to much more serious problems:

transition of the disease to a chronic form;
the appearance of multiple abscesses;
blepharitis - chronic inflammation of the eyelids;
conjunctivitis - inflammation of the mucous membrane of the eye;
thrombophlebitis - an acute inflammatory process in the veins of the orbit;
chalazion - a neoplasm on the edge of the eyelid that occurs due to blockage of the meibomian gland (the so-called cold barley).

Top 2. Sulfacyl sodium (Albucid)

Rating (2020): 4.58

53 reviews taken into account from resources: Yandex.Market, Otzovik, Protabletky

Nomination
Best Value for Money Sodium Sulfacyl, also known as Albucid, wins the Best Value for Money category thanks to its affordable price and high review scores.
Characteristics
Manufacturer: Lecco (Russia)
Active ingredient: sulfacetamide

Sulfacyl sodium eye drops, well known to many also under the name Albucid, are a first aid remedy for the appearance of stye. The medicine effectively relieves inflammation, since its main active ingredient is sulfacetamide, which is easily soluble in water. Main indications: stye, conjunctivitis and blepharitis. The best choice not only for the treatment, but also for the prevention of inflammation. The concentration of the drug is determined by the doctor taking into account the patient’s condition, the optimal option is 20%. The effective product is available in a plastic bottle equipped with a pipette for convenient use. For treatment, you need to instill 2-3 drops 6 times a day. The maximum duration of the course is 7 days.

Advantages and disadvantages

Affordable price
Suitable for both treatment and prevention
Relieves acute symptoms already on the second day of use

Burning sensation in the first seconds after instillation
Shelf life after opening – no more than 1 month
Application up to 6 times a day
Leaves a whitish residue on the eyelids

Side effects

Side effects occur in rare cases when the drug is used incorrectly. In case of overdose, you must immediately rinse your eyes with clean running water . People whose work requires good vision need to exercise caution. After using the medication, the quality of visual function deteriorates greatly.

An allergic reaction is a good reason to stop using the drug. It is accompanied by swelling of the mucous membrane, itching and redness of the skin.

The most common side effects include:

dizziness;
swelling of the eye;
dryness or excessive tearing;
temporary loss of vision;
burning in the eye;
fear of light;
redness of the cornea.

Reference. Purchasing the drug is possible only with a prescription from an ophthalmologist.

Top 1. Levomycetin

Rating (2020): 4.62

426 reviews from resources were taken into account: Yandex.Market, Otzovik, Otabletkah, Protabletky

Nomination
Best price Levomycetin eye drops are the most affordable treatment for styes and the winner in the “Best Price” category.
Characteristics
Manufacturer: Slavyanskaya Pharmacy (Russia)
Active ingredient: chroramphenicol

Levomycetin – broad-spectrum drops. Their main component is chloramphenicol, which effectively copes with many infectious diseases. When used topically, these eye drops have a comprehensive effect on the problem, speed up recovery and alleviate the course of the disease. The product has disinfectant properties, so the likelihood of infection of the conjunctiva is completely excluded. Drops relieve pain, prevent suppuration and swelling. Levomycetin is evenly distributed over the surface of the eye, but may cause a slight burning sensation. The only negative is a wide list of contraindications, including pregnancy, lactation, psoriasis.

Advantages and disadvantages

Affordable price
Sold in every pharmacy
Relieves pain and inflammation, speeds up recovery

There are contraindications
Possible individual side effects
Some release forms do not have a dispenser

Ointments

Ointments are used to treat abscesses and relieve inflammation. Can be applied internally or externally. Prescribed for external barley and meibonitis.

Tetracycline

The ointment is used to treat infectious and inflammatory pathologies of the organs of vision. It is considered the most gentle and effective.

It is well tolerated, but in case of intolerance to certain substances it causes nausea, inflammation, and dysbacteriosis.

Tetracycline ointment is applied after applying the drops. It is advisable to do this before bedtime. It does not cause blurred vision, but a greasy film appears on the eye, preventing normal vision. Driving vehicles and operating dangerous machinery is prohibited.

Erythromycin

The active component of the drug is erythromycin. The antibiotic is non-toxic and belongs to the pharmaceutical group of macrolides.

Erythromycin ointment is used locally on the area of the abscess 3 times a day, and placed behind the eyelid before going to bed. Treatment lasts up to 2 weeks, further use should be coordinated with an ophthalmologist.

Hydrocortisone

Prescribed for all forms of barley development. It has good efficiency. Hydrocortisone ointment relieves inflammation, eliminates swelling and fights lymphocytes that provoke the development of an inflammatory reaction.

Contraindicated in pregnancy, glaucoma and diseases of the visual system of viral or fungal origin.

The therapeutic course should not exceed 1 week in adults and children. Place behind the eyelid 3 times a day. If it is necessary to extend the course of treatment, you should consult a doctor.

Vishnevsky

The drug is used to treat external hordeuloma. In case of internal form of the disease, use is contraindicated. Vishnevsky's ointment warms, under this influence the barley ripens and breaks through faster.

The ointment is applied pointwise to the abscess, clean gauze is applied and secured with an adhesive plaster. Use until the barley breaks through. After the purulent contents are released, continue using the ointment for another 1 week. Vishnevsky ointment heals damaged eyelid tissue well.

Top 3. Tobrex

Rating (2020): 4.39

561 reviews taken into account from resources: Yandex.Market, Otzovik, Otabletkah, Protabletky

Nomination
The most popular Tobrex drops are the most popular drops presented in the rating, for which we were able to find more reviews than for other medications for the treatment of stye.
Characteristics
Manufacturer: Alcon (Belgium)
Active ingredient: tobramycin

Tobrex is a fast-acting antibacterial agent, the main component of which is tobramycin. It effectively fights staphylococcus, enterococcus and streptococcus. Eliminates external inflammatory process, affecting not only the eyes, but also surrounding tissues. The product has a soft formula and has a minimum of contraindications. Effective Tobrex drops are available in very convenient 5 ml dropper bottles. The shelf life is 3 years, but opened packaging can be stored for no more than 4 weeks. The product is quickly eliminated from the body and is absolutely harmless. Drops must be instilled into both eyes at the same time to prevent transmission of infection.

Advantages and disadvantages

Excellent treatment effectiveness
Improvements already on the first day of treatment
High degree of security

Once opened, cannot be stored for more than 4 weeks.
May cause discomfort when instilled

Basic information about the medicine

The medication Floxal is part of a group of antibacterial agents used to relieve inflammatory processes affecting the organs of vision. The main substance with an antimicrobial effect is ofloxacin solution. Prescribing an antibiotic from the fluoroquinolone line helps suppress pathogenic bacteria that cause purulent inflammation in many types of eye diseases, including barley.

A drug with a long-term therapeutic effect is detrimental to staphylococci, which are the causative agents of infection of the eyelid. The local method of using Floxal for barley eliminates the general toxic effect, but helps to quickly relieve the unpleasant symptoms of an eye disease. A reliable remedy against a wide range of harmful microorganisms is produced in two types of dosage forms.

Eye drops. Inside a sterile plastic bottle equipped with a dropper, there is 5 ml of a 0.3% solution of ofloxacin. The transparent composition is supplemented with a number of auxiliary components, including water for injection and hydrochloric acid.
Eye ointment. The contents of the aluminum tube contain 3 g of liniment based on petroleum jelly, lanolin and liquid paraffin. The therapeutic mixture is enriched with a 0.3 percent dose of ofloxacin. The ointment is yellowish in color and has a uniform consistency.

Important! The abscess usually affects the eyelid of one eye, but both eyes should be treated with Floxal for stye. This is necessary in order to eliminate the possibility of damage to the second organ of vision.

Top 2. Okomistin

Rating (2020): 4.59

205 reviews from resources were taken into account: Yandex.Market, Otzovik, Doctors.rf, Otabletkah, Protabletky

Nomination
Comprehensive solution to the problem Okomistin drops have antimicrobial, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory and regenerating effects, and take a comprehensive approach to the problem of treating barley.
Characteristics
Manufacturer: Infamed (Russia)
Active ingredient: benzyldimethyl-myristoylamino-propylammonium

Okomistin eye drops have a pronounced antiseptic and antimicrobial effect. The product is effective against most pathogens of barley, including staphylococcus and streptococcus. The medicine helps reduce bacterial resistance to antibiotics. In addition to relieving inflammation, Okomistin is able to increase local immunity and regenerate tissue. To treat stye, drops can be used in both adults and children. Improvements come quickly, literally in a couple of days, especially if treatment is started at the initial stage of the disease. The medicine is relatively inexpensive, but it is a little inconvenient that after opening it can only be used for a month.

Advantages and disadvantages

Not an antibiotic
Effective for both treatment and prevention
Can be used for both adults and children
Relief occurs in just a couple of days
Reduces bacterial resistance to antibiotics

Unpleasant sensations after instillation
In rare cases, an individual allergic reaction occurs

What is barley

The disease affects the hair follicles of the eyelashes and develops when the infection, penetrating from the external environment, triggers the active proliferation of bacteria. There are external and internal barley. In the first case, inflammation affects the sebaceous gland, causing severe swelling and redness of the eyelid. In the second, pus accumulates deep in the tissues, close to the conjunctiva. But both forms of the disease require mandatory treatment, otherwise the problem risks becoming chronic, and any weakening of the immune system will provoke re-inflammation of the eyelid.

Top 1. Phloxal

Rating (2020): 4.68

313 reviews from resources were taken into account: Yandex.Market, Otzovik, Otabletkah, Protabletky

Nomination
Broad-spectrum antibiotic Floxal is an antibacterial drug in the form of eye drops that helps quickly and effectively solve the problem of stye on the eyelid due to its activity against a wide range of pathogens.
Characteristics
Manufacturer: Dr. Gerhard Mann Chem-Pharm Fabrik GmbH (Germany)
Active ingredient: ofloxacin

Floxal is a universal eye drop for children and adults. The main active ingredient is ofloxacin, which effectively eliminates streptococci and chlamydia. Helps quickly cope with styes on the eye, boils on the eyelids, as well as inflammation of the conjunctiva. A powerful modern antibiotic completely eliminates the disease in just 2-3 days. Floxal eye drops are available in 5 ml plastic bottles. It is necessary to instill 1 drop 4 times a day into the inner corner of the eye. The maximum duration of the course is 2 weeks. During treatment, you must temporarily stop wearing contact lenses.

Advantages and disadvantages

Broad-spectrum antibacterial drops
High treatment efficiency
Can be used for both adults and children
No discomfort when instilled

Average price
You cannot wear lenses during treatment
Once opened, the product is good for 6 weeks.

How contagious is the disease?

Those who are faced with a similar problem are concerned not only with what to do if barley appears, but also with how this disease is transmitted. How dangerous is a person with inflammation of the eye to others, and how can his loved ones protect themselves? Unfortunately, doctors still do not give a clear answer to these questions. On the one hand, there are no objective reasons for isolating such patients, but on the other hand, we must not forget that the development of barley is a purulent process, which means there is always a risk of getting an infection. Particular care should be taken by children, people with reduced immunity and other eye diseases - it is important to prevent their contact with sources of pus and not to forget about personal hygiene.

Top 4. Signitsef

Rating (2020): 4.33

125 reviews from resources were taken into account: Yandex.Market, Otzovik, Doctors.rf, Otabletkah, Protabletky

Characteristics
Manufacturer: Sentiss Pharma (India)
Active ingredient: levofloxacin

Signicef eye drops contain levofloxacin as an active ingredient, which has antibacterial activity against a wide range of pathogens. The drug belongs to the category of third-generation fluoroquinolones and is quite safe and effective. Children can use it after the first year of life. On the first day of treatment for barley, Signicef can be instilled every two hours, which allows you to quickly improve the condition. The bottle is small, only 5 ml, but it is enough for one course of treatment. Once opened, the shelf life is limited to one month. The drops receive good reviews, not only from ordinary people, but also from doctors.

Advantages and disadvantages

Broad-spectrum antibacterial drops
Possible for children from one year old
Relief already on the first day of use

There are side effects such as burning and itching
An open bottle cannot be stored for longer than a month.

The principle of operation of the ophthalmic agent

An antibacterial drug in any form actively fights infection not only with acute inflammation of the sebaceous gland (hordeolum), but also with an internal type of pathology - chalazion. After Floxal enters the eye mucosa, the active substance is evenly distributed throughout the surrounding tissues, which ensures a sufficient concentration of ofloxacin in the structures of the affected organ.

Thanks to the local use of the drug, a minimal amount of antibiotic is detected in the patient’s blood. This does not harm the functioning of the patient’s internal organs, but it becomes fatal for pathogenic flora due to blocking the mechanism of bacterial reproduction. Therefore, Floxal is effective not only against barley, it is actively used against any type of infection on the eye.

There are other ointments! We have prepared a list of more than 10 ointments that are effectively used to treat stye. Check it out here.

How to use drops

A solution of ofloxacin is instilled into the cavity of the conjunctival sac, located in the inner corner of the eye (near the nasal septum). Relief from painful symptoms occurs a maximum of 15 minutes after the procedure. To obtain a high effect from treatment with Floxal, you must adhere to the following action plan:

Top 3. Oftalmoferon

Rating (2020): 4.35

498 reviews from resources were taken into account: Yandex.Market, Otzovik, Doctors.rf, Otabletkah, Protabletky

Nomination
The safest drops Ophthalmoferon drops are a unique drug based on interferon. They have no contraindications or side effects, and are the safest of those presented in the rating.
Characteristics
Manufacturer: FIRN M (Russia)
Active ingredient: interferon alfa2b + diphenhydramine

Ophthalmoferon is a unique drug in a number of respects, used to treat a wide range of ophthalmological diseases, including barley. Interferon drops can be used for both bacterial and viral problems. They have antiviral, anti-inflammatory, immunostimulating, antimicrobial and regenerating effects. At the initial stage of treatment, it can be used up to 8 times a day. Oftalmoferon has no contraindications or side effects, although in rare cases individual intolerance is possible. It is a little inconvenient that the drops can only be stored in the refrigerator, and after opening they are suitable for use for no more than a month.

Advantages and disadvantages

Comprehensive solution to ophthalmological problems, including stye
No contraindications or side effects
Possible for children from birth

Not all doctors recognize the effectiveness of the drug
Needs to be stored in the refrigerator
Once opened, they are good for no more than a month.

Symptoms and causes of stye

The cause of stye in most cases is a bacterial infection entering the eye and spreading in combination with a weakened immune system.

The following symptoms occur:

the eyelids itch and swell, severe swelling occurs, the process is accompanied by severe pain;
after 2-3 days, a formation with purulent contents inside is formed. As soon as it spontaneously opens, the pain goes away.

If the inflammatory process is very pronounced, a rise in general body temperature, headaches, and enlargement of the lymph nodes behind the ear are possible.

Top 2. Vitabact

Rating (2020): 4.38

162 reviews from resources were taken into account: Yandex.Market, Otzovik, Otabletkah, Protabletky

Nomination
The best drops for children Vitabact is one of the few drugs in the form of eye drops that can be used to treat children. In pediatric practice, it is allowed from birth. The drops are effective and highly safe.
Characteristics
Manufacturer: Exelvision (France)
Active ingredient: picloxidine

Vitabact eye drops are approved for both adults and children from birth. The drug has a pronounced antimicrobial effect, which makes it unique in many ways. The product is effective in the fight against staphylococcus and streptococcus, which allows it to quickly deal with stye on the eye and return a person to normal life. Swelling and pain disappear literally after the first use of Vitabact. During use, allergies may develop, but cases are extremely rare. If necessary, the drug can be combined with other drugs, maintaining an interval of 15 minutes. The medicine receives good reviews, and almost its only drawback is its limited shelf life after opening.

Advantages and disadvantages

Can be used for both adults and children from birth
Pronounced antimicrobial effect
Relief of the condition after the first instillation

Once opened, cannot be used for more than a month.
Possible rare side effects such as allergies

Treatment of styes on the eye with medications

Due to the fact that barley is provoked by an infectious infection of the eyelid, the main task of the treatment process is to eliminate the pathogenic environment. For this purpose, disinfectant ointments and drops are used. Some of them contain antibiotics, which are especially effective against bacteria and fungi.

Important! If you find signs of stye in yourself or your child, do not rush to start self-treatment. Contact your ophthalmologist for an accurate diagnosis and advice on specific medications. This will eliminate the possibility of complications due to errors and shorten the recovery period.

A professional examination of the eye and eyelid allows for the timely detection of internal stye, which almost does not manifest itself in the early stage. If primary treatment does not produce results, ophthalmologists remove bacterial culture of the conjunctiva to study the nature of the inflammation, but in the vast majority of cases, staphylococcus becomes the cause of the disease. The fight against it is carried out mainly with antibiotics in the form of drops, ointments, tablets, and solutions.

If barley appears regularly, a comprehensive health examination is necessary. It requires visiting not only an ophthalmologist, but also other specialists:

gastroenterologist;
infectious disease specialist;
endocrinologist;
immunologist;
dermatologist;
allergist.

Types of drugs used in the treatment of stye on the eye

Drug or remedy	Purpose and principle of operation
Drops	They kill bacteria, prevent their spread and delay the growth of inflammation throughout the eyelid. Drop directly into the eye.
Antibacterial ointments	They have a bactericidal effect and prevent the expansion of inflammation on the surface of the eyelid. Used mainly before bedtime.
Preparations for oral administration	Prescribed for the treatment of complicated barley, with weak immunity or ineffective primary therapy. Medicines fight infection and improve immune function. This category of drugs consists of antibiotics.
Antiseptic solutions	Used to wash the eyes after sleep to remove the purulent capsule. As a rule, Furacilin and Sulfacyl sodium are used.
Immunomodulators and strengtheners	They relieve inflammation from the eyelid, relieve pain, and reduce inflammation. These are traditional non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

In many cases, complex therapy is prescribed, when liquid agents are dripped throughout the day, and in the evening, ointment is applied to the eyelid area.

In the initial stages, the doctor may prescribe strengthening physiotherapeutic procedures if the disease is not accompanied by an increase in temperature. Which ones exactly depends on the current state of health, intolerance and other individual characteristics.

Top 1. Sofradex

Rating (2020): 4.42

289 reviews from resources were taken into account: Yandex.Market, Otzovik, Doctors.rf, Otabletkah, Protabletky

Nomination
The best composition of Sofradex is drops with a combined composition based on three components, each of which contributes to the effective treatment of stye.
Characteristics
Manufacturer: Sanofi (France)
Active ingredient: dexamethasone + gramicidin + framycetin

Sofradex drops can be used for both ear and eye infections, including the appearance of stye. Their combined composition, containing two antibacterial components and the anti-inflammatory drug dexamethasone, allows you to quickly relieve symptoms and then lead to a complete recovery. Sofradex receives mostly good reviews, although it is quite expensive. Before use, it is important to familiarize yourself with the list of contraindications, as well as possible side effects. The latter are rare, but still possible. Due to the nature of the drop dispenser, it is not always convenient to use. After opening, the product is suitable for use for a month.

The advantage of drugs in the form of drops for barley

Pros:

convenient shape, compact option for every day;
quick effect;
practicality.

The advantage of drops over ointments is that when applying a soft dosage form, it comes into contact with the inflamed area and causes pain. In addition to ease of use, the drops are practical to carry with you and use them at any time of the day. At the same time, they are instantly absorbed and instantly have a positive effect, unlike tablets, since they act directly on the affected area.