What should you know about a big stye?

A stye, also called a hordeolum, is a red lump at the eyelid edge or within the lid. It may feel gritty, sore or painful when you blink. Swelling can spread across part of the eyelid, especially while the inflammation is active. A small amount of crusting or discharge can occur, but a swollen lid does not by itself show how serious the problem is. A deeper, firmer lump that is less tender may be a blocked gland rather than an active stye.

Wash your hands before touching the eye. Hold a clean, comfortably warm cloth against the closed eyelid for several minutes, repeating this through the day, and gently clean away loosened crusts. Do not squeeze, pierce or try to pop the lump, because this can push infection into nearby tissue. Avoid eye make-up and contact lenses until the lid has settled, and do not share towels, flannels or cosmetics. A pharmacist or clinician can advise whether an eye treatment is appropriate; antibiotics are not needed for every stye.

Arrange a GP consultation if the swelling keeps enlarging, is not beginning to settle, repeatedly returns, or makes it difficult to open the eye. Seek urgent help for changes in vision, severe eye pain, pain with moving the eye, marked swelling around the eye, fever, or redness spreading beyond the eyelid. Get prompt advice if you have a weakened immune system or are caring for a young child with significant swelling.

Ask whether the lump appears to be a stye or a blocked eyelid gland, whether you need treatment, and which symptoms should trigger urgent review. You can also ask how to reduce repeated episodes and whether your contact lenses or eye products should be paused.