Bad stye: what should you know?

A stye, also called a hordeolum, develops when a small eyelid gland or eyelash follicle becomes blocked and inflamed. It may look like a red, tender spot at the lid edge and can cause watering, crusting or a gritty feeling. A deeper, firmer lump may be a different blocked gland. Redness limited to the lid is different from redness across the eye or swelling spreading around it.

Apply a clean warm compress to the closed eyelid for several minutes, repeating it through the day, and wash your hands before and after touching the area. Keep the eyelid clean. Do not squeeze, pierce or try to drain the lump. Avoid eye makeup and contact lenses until the eye is comfortable. A pharmacist or clinician can advise whether any treatment is suitable.

Seek urgent help for reduced or blurred vision, severe eye pain, pain when moving the eye, marked light sensitivity, fever, or swelling that spreads around the eye. Arrange a GP consultation if the lump is recurrent, does not settle, or interferes with sight. A clinician should also assess persistent eye discharge or a red eye that is not limited to the eyelid.

Does this look like a stye or another eyelid problem? How should I use warm compresses? What eye changes mean I should seek urgent help, and should I stop contact lenses until it clears?