That pesky white bump on your lash line doesn't stand a chance! Treat your Stye with an online prescription.
If you wake up to a tender white bump on your eyelid, you need more than a warm compress. Our telehealth service connects you with our virtual doctor, who can prescribe an antibiotic for a stye and send it straight to your chosen pharmacy.
- Fast and reliable prescription sent to your pharmacy
- 24/7 Instant care & immediate access
- No wait time to see your doctor
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Don't let a tiny stye on your eyelid slow you down
From your first click to the moment you start treatment, we make every step seamless so you can focus on relief from that painful white bump on your eyelash line.
Connect with an online doctor, 24/7 anywhere
Whether it’s 4 AM or after dinner, you can start your online consultation for a stye anytime, no waiting for hours or days is required for an appointment.
Receive your antibiotic prescription within minutes
Our licensed providers will assess your stye, confirm, and e-prescribe the right antibiotics for eye stye. Although topical treatment is sufficient in most cases, in some cases, Doxycycline, Amoxicillin, or Clindamycin for stye may be prescribed.
Skip the commute and treat your stye at home
You don’t need to hunt for a stye treatment antibiotic over the counter. We send your prescription directly to the pharmacy you choose, big-chain or local, so you can pick up prescription-only drops or ointment without ever leaving home.
How to get your Stye treated online?
Follow these three simple steps and you're good to go:
Start your virtual consultation
Download our app or visit our site, create your secure profile, and complete a short health intake. We’ll ask about your symptoms, a few pictures or an assessment during a video consultation may be required alongside your medical history to confirm it’s a stye.
Chat with a licensed doctor
Choose text, audio, or video, whatever you prefer. In real time, your physician will examine your eyelid remotely, identify the stye, and determine the right antibiotics for it (drops, ointment, or oral therapy like Doxycycline or Amoxicillin).
Receive your e-prescription
Once approved, your prescription is faxed online. The precise antibiotic regimen, such as topical Erythromycin ointment, will be sent straight to your chosen pharmacy.
What is a Stye?
A stye (hordeolum) is a common, acute infection of the oil glands in your eyelid. It appears as a painful, red lump often with a small white or yellow “head” along the lash line or inside the eyelid.
There are two types:
- External stye (hordeolum externum): Infection of the eyelash follicle or Zeis/Moll glands at the eyelid margin, presenting as a tender bump with a visible white spot.
- Internal stye (hordeolum internum): Infection of the Meibomian glands deeper within the eyelid, often causing diffuse eyelid swelling without a clearly visible head.
Styes typically resolve with proper treatment but can be uncomfortable and, if untreated, may lead to larger abscess formation.
Symptoms of a stye
Common symptoms include:
- Painful lump on the eyelid: A tender, red bump at the base of the eyelashes or under the eyelid skin.
- White bump or “head”: A visible collection of pus that resembles a white pimple on your lash line.
- Swelling and redness: Localized inflammation of the eyelid, which can spread across the entire lid.
- Tearing and irritation: Increased tearing, the sensation of a foreign body in the eye, and sensitivity to light.
- Crusting along the lash line: Dried discharge or crust around the eyelashes, especially after sleeping.
- Itchiness or burning: A constant urge to rub or touch the affected eyelid.
Causes of a stye (Why do you get styes?)
- Bacterial infection: Staphylococcus aureus is the most common culprit, colonizing the eyelid margin and invading the oil or sweat glands.
- Blocked glands: Oil buildup in the Meibomian or Zeis/Moll glands can trap bacteria and trigger infection.
- Poor eyelid hygiene: Rubbing eyes with unwashed hands, leftover makeup, or not removing cosmetics can introduce bacteria.
- Chronic blepharitis: Long-standing inflammation of the eyelid margin makes you more prone to gland blockage and infection.
- Skin conditions: Rosacea, seborrheic dermatitis, and acne can disrupt normal eyelid gland function and increase stye risk.
- Immune factors: Diabetes, stress, or other conditions that weaken immune defenses can lead to more frequent or severe styes.
Understanding these triggers helps prevent recurrence through good eyelid hygiene, makeup removal, and managing underlying skin or gland disorders.
Myths & facts about stye treatment
It’s easy to fall for common misconceptions when you see a painful white bump on your eyelash line, but following the wrong advice can prolong your discomfort. Below, we debunk the top myths and set the record straight on effective stye care, including the role of prescription-strength antibiotics for a stye on the eye and when to seek an online consultation.
Myth 1: I can just pop or squeeze my stye like a pimple.
Fact: Attempting to pop a stye risks spreading the underlying Staphylococcus aureus infection deeper into your eyelid or even your eye. Instead of DIY drainage, book an online consultation for a stye so a licensed doctor can prescribe the right antibiotic.
Myth 2: Over-the-counter ointments will clear my stye.
Fact: While OTC lubricating gels might soothe irritation, they don’t eradicate the bacteria causing a hordeolum. Actual resolution requires a prescription after a quick telehealth exam.
Myth 3: Warm compresses alone will cure my stye.
Fact: Warm compresses help soften clogged glands and promote drainage, but don’t treat the infection. Combining compresses with prescription-strength topical or oral antibiotics is the gold standard for clearing the bump and preventing recurrence.
Antibiotics we prescribe for Stye treatment
When that painful white bump on your eyelash line signals a stye, targeted antibiotic therapy helps clear the infection quickly. Depending on severity and location, our telehealth doctors may prescribe:
Erythromycin Ophthalmic
Ointment
Bacitracin–Polymyxin B
Ointment
Doxycycline for Stye
Antibiotic
Amoxicillin or Augmentin
Antibiotic
Clindamycin
Antibiotic
Get antibiotics from our licensed physicians
Dr. Asim Cheema
Internal Medicine
Dr. Cheema is a distinguished, board-certified Cardiology and Internal Medicine specialist who brings nearly 30+ years of extensive clinical experience to his practice. A proud graduate of Nishtar Medical College, he has been operating as an independent practitioner since 2001. He focuses on the diagnosis, management, and long-term care of complex cardiovascular and internal medicine conditions.
Dr. Marsha Dunkley
Family Medicine
Dr. Marsha Dunkley has been committed to providing compassionate, comprehensive medical care to patients across a broad spectrum of health concerns for more than five years. Her clinical experience spans both chronic conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and high cholesterol and acute illnesses, including the common cold, seasonal allergies, influenza, and COVID-19.
Dr. Sohail Cheema
Pediatrics
Dr. Sohail Cheema is a seasoned pediatrician with 30+ years of experience. A 1987 graduate of Nishtar Medical College, he’s recognized for patient-centered care and clear communication. He's a member of the Royal College of Physicians (UK & Ireland) and certified in Ontario. He practices at Halton Healthcare – Georgetown and St. Michael’s Hospital in Toronto.
Dr. Stotland Mitchell
Occupational Medicine
Dr. Stotland Mitchell is a board-certified Occupational Medicine physician with 5+ years of experience. He provides virtual care across all U.S. states and D.C., blending allopathic medicine with public health insights. His approach focuses on rapid symptom relief and long-term prevention, often resulting in faster recovery and improved health outcomes for his patients.
Dr. Mandy Leideman
Internal Medicine
Dr. Leideman is an internal medicine physician with 30+ years of experience, currently focused on long-term care and chronic disease prevention. Known for her ethical, research-based approach, she holds certifications in human research ethics. A graduate of UWO and U of T, she completed residency at St. Joseph’s and remains active in research and professional medical organizations.
Dr. Kieran Kettyls
Family Medicine
Dr. Kieran Kettyls is a compassionate family physician specializing in bariatric medicine, women’s health, and in-office procedures. Trained in Grenada, New York, and New Jersey, he provides care including PRP, viscosupplementation, vasectomies, and cyst removals. He founded an AHS-covered weight loss program focused on sustainable outcomes and delivers personalized, results-driven care.
FAQs about stye treatment
Can Amoxicillin treat a stye?
Yes, oral Amoxicillin for a stye can be effective when the infection is deep or recurrent. It eradicates the bacteria that is causing a painful white bump on your eyelash line. Your provider may prescribe Amoxicillin 500 mg TID or Augmentin if there’s concern for broader bacterial coverage.
Will antibiotics help a stye?
Absolutely. Prescription-strength antibiotics for a stye such as topical ointments (e.g., Erythromycin, Clindamycin for stye), or oral agents like Doxycycline for stye can clear the bacterial infection faster than warm compresses alone, reducing pain and swelling.
Can I go to urgent care for a stye?
Yes, urgent care centers can diagnose a stye, perform any needed drainage, and prescribe antibiotics for a stye in the eye. However, you can often get the same prescription faster through an online consultation for a stye without the wait.
What causes a stye?
Styes arise when oil glands (Meibomian, Zeis) at your eyelid margin become blocked and infected by bacteria, most commonly Staph aureus. Poor eyelid hygiene, makeup residue, and underlying blepharitis increase your risk of developing that characteristic white bump on your eyelash line.
How long does a stye last?
With proper treatment, warm compresses plus prescription antibiotics, a stye typically resolves in 3–7 days. Without antibiotics, it may persist 1–2 weeks or longer and can recur more frequently.
How do I get antibiotics for a stye in my eye online?
Book an online consultation for a stye and complete a brief symptom intake. Your telehealth doctor will e-prescribe topical ointments (Erythromycin, Clindamycin for stye) or oral agents (Amoxicillin, Doxycycline) and send your prescriptions directly to your pharmacy, often same-day.
Are there stye treatments, antibiotics over the counter?
No, there are no true over-the-counter antibiotic options for stye treatment. Over-the-counter eye lubricants only soothe irritation; only prescription antibiotics clear the underlying bacterial infection.
How do I use Doxycycline for a stye?
If prescribed, Doxycycline for styes is typically administered 100 mg twice daily for 5–7 days. It’s reserved for more severe symptoms or multiple styes, blepharitis-associated infection, or rosacea-related eyelid inflammation; your doctor will verify that during your consultation.
Is Clindamycin for stye effective?
Yes, topical Clindamycin ointment applied once or twice daily fights resistant Staph (stye) strains and is ideal for patients allergic to Penicillins. Oral Clindamycin may be used in severe cases under medical supervision.
Do styes spread from one eye to the other?
Yes, they can, if the bacteria are transferred via hands or contaminated towels. Always wash your hands before touching your eyes, and avoid sharing pillowcases. Early treatment with antibiotics prevents the spread and recurrence.
How can I prevent future styes?
- Practice daily eyelid hygiene with gentle lid scrubs.
- Remove all makeup before bed and replace eye cosmetics every 3 months.
- Manage underlying blepharitis or rosacea with your doctor’s guidance.
Can makeup cause a stye?
Yes, expired or unclean eye makeup harbors bacteria that can block eyelid glands and trigger a stye. Always discard mascara or liner after 3 months and cleanse your eyelids nightly to avoid that troublesome white bump on your eyelash line.
