9 best barley eye drops
Soreness and redness of the eyes, accompanied by purulent discharge, most often indicate barley. Traditional medicine recommends treating barley with hot potatoes and strong tea leaves, but there are more effective drugs that will get rid of barley – for example, antibacterial eye drops

Barley1 occurs due to infection in the hair follicle of the eyelash or sebaceous gland, which is located nearby. The disease has a medical name – hordeolum. In 90-95% of cases, the cause of hordeolum is Staphylococcus aureus, which causes disease in people with weakened immunity. Staphylococcus can also affect the meibomian gland, causing the so-called internal barley or meibomitis. The disease always develops acutely and causes characteristic symptoms:

  • soreness and swelling of the eyelids;
  • swelling and redness of the conjunctiva;
  • purulent discharge from under the eyelid (after 2-3 days).

Complications with hordeolum almost never occur. The disease does not require treatment, however, it is necessary to treat the underlying disease that caused the weakening of the immune system.2.

In the first 2-3 days, an abscess is formed, which will open on its own on about the fourth day. It is impossible to open the abscess on your own because of the threat of infection spreading to other follicles and glands. During this period, it is recommended to dry the barley with medical alcohol, iodine or brilliant green, and an eye ointment with an antibiotic is applied overnight behind the eyelid. 

Antimicrobial eye drops will help speed up the healing process. The editors of the KP together with our expert – ophthalmologist, associate professor of the Department of Ophthalmology of the Medical Academy named after S. I. Georgievsky Svetlana Chistyakova compiled a list of inexpensive and effective barley drops for adults.

List of top 9 inexpensive and effective drops from barley on the eye for adults according to KP

Currently, there is a wide variety of eye drops. It is important to remember that the effectiveness of treatment depends on the regularity and correctness of the application, which the doctor prescribes.

1. Okomistin

The active substance of Okomistin is benzyldimethyl. Drops are antiseptic. They are effective for mild disease if antibiotics cannot be used or if you are opposed to taking them. The drug is not absorbed when applied topically, so it has no contraindications. Drops will also help with conjunctivitis, burns, eye injuries and will take their rightful place in your first aid kit.

Side effects when using drops appear extremely rarely in the form of a burning sensation and a feeling of discomfort. According to the doctor’s prescription, Okomistin can be used by pregnant and lactating women.

Main characteristics

A typeantiseptic
Active substancebenzyldimethyl-myristoylamino-propylammonium
Application1-2 drops in the conjunctival sac 4-6 times a day
Противопоказанияcomponent intolerance
Releasedon prescription

Advantages and disadvantages

is not an antibiotic, a wide range of applications, no contraindications.
less effective than antibiotics, do not drip on contact lenses.

2. Levomycetin

Perhaps the simplest and most affordable drug on our list is the well-known Levomycetin. The main active ingredient in these eye drops is chloramphenicol. It is a broad-spectrum antibiotic that is active against most microorganisms. It has a bacteriostatic (stops the reproduction of bacteria) effect, including pathogens resistant to penicillin, streptomycin and sulfonamides. The drug is not absorbed when applied topically.

Main characteristics

A typeantibiotic
Active substancechloramphenicol
Applicationone drop 3-4 times a day (if you use drops without a doctor’s prescription, you need to limit yourself to three days of use)
Противопоказанияviolation of hematopoiesis, pregnancy, severe violations of the liver and kidneys, psoriasis, eczema, children under one month.
Releasedwithout recipe

Advantages and disadvantages

an antibiotic with a well-studied effect, affordable, easy to use.
many contraindications, less effective than other antibiotics.
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3. Tobrex

The composition of these antibacterial drops includes the antibiotic Tobramycin. It is effective against staphylococcus, which causes the appearance of barley. Drops help to quickly get rid of pain, burning in the eyes, speed up recovery. The drug can be combined with other drops and ointments.

Main characteristics

A typeantibiotic
Active substancetobramycin
Application1-2 drops every 4 hours
Противопоказанияdo not use the drug for lactating women and children under one year old, as well as with hypersensitivity to the components of the drug
Releasedon prescription

Advantages and disadvantages

minimum contraindications, can be used for children, affordable price.
cannot be used while breastfeeding.

4. Phloxal

Floksal – German-made eye drops that contain the antibiotic Ofloxacin. This antibiotic is active against many gram-positive and gram-negative microorganisms, therefore it is widely used in the treatment of eye and ear infections.3. The use of drops is possible at any age.

When instilled, there may be a burning sensation, discomfort and redness of the mucous membrane of the eye, which disappear after a few seconds.

Main characteristics

A typeantibiotic
Active substanceofloxacin
Application1 drop every 2-4 times a day
Противопоказанияpregnancy and lactation, hypersensitivity to the components of the drug, contact lenses should not be worn during treatment
Releasedon prescription

Advantages and disadvantages

effective against a wide range of microorganisms, affordable price, can be used for children.
short shelf life of the opened vial, soft contact lenses should not be worn during treatment, may cause photophobia, therefore sunglasses should be worn.

5. Dancil

The main active ingredient of Dancil drops is a synthetic antibiotic ofloxacin, which is active against a large number of pathogens of infectious eye diseases. The drug from the Indian manufacturer has a pronounced antimicrobial effect, so it is often prescribed for ENT pathologies.

The use of drops can cause burning, discomfort and redness of the eyes, which quickly pass.

Main characteristics

A typeantibiotic
Active substanceofloxacin
Application1-2 drops every 2-4 hours during the day
Противопоказанияhypersensitivity to the drug, non-bacterial eye diseases, pregnancy, breast-feeding, children under one year of age
Releasedon prescription

Advantages and disadvantages

can be used for infectious diseases of the eyes and ENT organs, affordable price, suitable for the treatment of children older than 1 year.
a short shelf life of an opened bottle can cause photophobia, so you need to wear sunglasses when outdoors.

6. Ciprofloxacin

Ciprofloxacin drops contain the active ingredient of the same name – an antibiotic with a wide spectrum of action3. Ciprofloxacin penetrates well into the tissues of the eye and begins to act as much as possible an hour after application. The duration of this effect reaches 6 hours.

When using drops, side effects may occur: a burning sensation and itching in the eye, redness of the mucous membrane and its soreness, as well as nausea and allergic reactions.

Main characteristics

A typeantibiotic
Active substanceciprofloxacin
Application1-2 drops 4-8 times a day
Противопоказанияfungal and viral eye infections, pregnancy and lactation, children under the age of one year
Releasedon prescription

Advantages and disadvantages

rapid onset of therapeutic effect, low price.
may cause temporary blurred vision.

7. Combinil

The basis of Combinil is a complex of ciprofloxacin and dexamethasone. The antibiotic is active against many gram-positive and gram-negative microorganisms, including those causing barley. Dexamethasone reduces the main symptoms of inflammation. The maximum concentration of the drug in the blood is reached within 30 minutes after application, and the auxiliary components retain the active substances on the surface of the eye for a long time.

After instillation, itching and burning of the eyes, redness of the conjunctiva, a feeling of a foreign body, and a temporary drop in visual acuity may occur.

Main characteristics

A typeantibiotic
Active substanceciprofloxacin,

dexamethasone

Application1-2 drops every 4-6 hours
Противопоказанияviral and fungal eye infections, eye tuberculosis, pregnancy, lactation, children under two years of age
Releasedon prescription

Advantages and disadvantages

complex action – fights bacteria, reduces inflammation and irritation.
many contraindications, can not be used during pregnancy and lactation, high price.

8. Torazon

Tobrazon drops contain tobramycin and dexamethasone, an antibiotic and a synthetic hormone with anti-inflammatory action. Indications and contraindications of the drug are similar to similar means – treatment of barley, removal of unpleasant symptoms – redness, pain, burning eyes.

Tobrason may have side effects in the form of headache, increased arterial and intraocular pressure, itching and swelling of the conjunctiva. After instillation, the clarity of vision may briefly decrease, you should not drive vehicles at this time.

Main characteristics

A typeantibiotic
Active substancetobramycin, dexamethasone
Application1-2 drops every 4-6 hours
Противопоказанияage up to 18 years, pregnancy, lactation, incompatible use of the drug and wearing soft contact lenses
Releasedon prescription

Advantages and disadvantages

has an antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effect, does not cause discomfort when instilled.
during treatment, it is not recommended to drive vehicles and wear soft contact lenses, you can not use up to 18 years.

9. Withdrawal

Vitabact drops do not contain an antibiotic in the composition, and the main active ingredient is picloxidine, an antiseptic with antimicrobial action. In addition to bacteria, picloxidine has a detrimental effect on certain types of viruses and fungi. The drug is practically not absorbed into the blood and is approved for use at any age.

Main characteristics

A typeantiseptic
Active substancepicloxidine
Applicationone drop 2 to 6 times a day
Противопоказанияshould not be used during pregnancy and lactation, this limitation is due to the fact that the effect of the drug on the fetus has not been studied – if necessary, use the remedy, you need to consult a doctor
Releasedwithout recipe

Advantages and disadvantages

effective drug, is not an antibiotic, has no contraindications.
can not be used during pregnancy and lactation.
show more

How to choose drops from barley on the eye

In the early stages of the disease, drops from barley on the eye are not required. It is enough to dry the affected area with iodine, brilliant green or medical alcohol. It is very important to treat the affected area only from the outside and not touch the mucous membrane of the eye, as this can lead to burns and complications. With severe symptoms, you should consult a doctor.

In the pharmacy network, you can buy without a prescription only a few types of drops from barley. You will need a doctor’s prescription to buy antibiotic drops and combination medicines. When using such drugs, side effects and contraindications should be taken into account. The most correct decision is to contact an ophthalmologist who will prescribe a competent treatment.

Reviews of doctors about drops from barley on the eye

Despite the fact that barley passes without consequences, its treatment should not be neglected. With improper therapy and reduced immunity, there is a high risk of complications when the infection spreads to other tissues.

The most effective, according to doctors, will be combined drops that contain an antibiotic with a hormonal drug. This is especially true if the barley is not alone, accompanied by high fever, weakness and swollen lymph nodes. Folk remedies in this case will be ineffective. It is important to remember that barley drops will only be part of a comprehensive treatment, and not its only method.

Popular questions and answers

Ophthalmologist Svetlana Chistyakova answers the most popular questions regarding the treatment of barley.

Why is barley on the eye dangerous?

– The most common complication of barley is purulent conjunctivitis or the spread of infection to neighboring hair follicles and sebaceous glands. This can lead to cosmetic deformity or a generalized eyelid infection called eyelid cellulitis. The infection can also affect the meibomian glands and lead to inflammation of the adjacent cartilage. Timely access to a doctor and proper treatment will help to avoid these complications.

How to quickly get rid of barley on the eye at home?

– Getting rid of barley at home is almost impossible. To do this, you need to have a strong immune system and take action at the earliest stages of the disease. All that can be done on your own is to accelerate the maturation of the abscess. For these purposes, you can use dry heat (salt heated and wrapped in a cloth, boiled egg), compresses based on alcohol solutions or herbal decoctions, wiping with antiseptics. Effective spot drying of the affected area with brilliant green or iodine or medical alcohol. It is important to remember that these remedies are suitable only at the very early stage of barley. Impact on an already formed abscess will only worsen the situation.

What can not be done with barley on the eye?

– The most important thing is not to open or squeeze out the barley. In most cases, this will lead to further spread of the infection.

How long does barley on the eye take?

– If you start treatment on time, barley passes on its own in 4-5 days. There are frequent cases when the abscess does not have time to form or opens on its own and painlessly. The abscess is opened on the 4th or 5th day, further cleaning of the cavity depends on the state of the patient’s immunity and the effectiveness of the treatment.
  1. Algorithm for the treatment of meibomite, barley and chalazion. V.N. Trubilin, E.G. Polunina D.V. Angelova Yu. V. Evstigneeva. Journal of Ophthalmology, vol. 16. 2019. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/338196349_The_Treatment_Algorithm_for_Meibomyitis_Hordeolum_and_Halazion
  2. Eye diseases: a textbook for medical schools and colleges. Egorov E.A., Epifanova L.M. 2015 http://mkmeridian.kz/f/glaznye_bolezni_egorov_epifanova.pdf
  3. Register of medicines of Russia. https://www.rlsnet.ru/drugs

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