What should you know about a big stye on the eye?

Styes form near an eyelash or in an oil-producing eyelid gland. The area may become red, hot, swollen and painful, with tenderness when the lid is touched. A large swelling can make the eyelid feel heavy or partly closed. Watery eyes and mild crusting may accompany it. If the lump is firm and not very sore, it may instead be a blocked gland. A stye is on the eyelid, not usually on the surface of the eyeball itself.

Use clean hands and place a clean warm cloth over the closed eye for several minutes at a time, repeating regularly. Wipe discharge gently with clean water and a fresh part of the cloth. Leave the lump alone: squeezing or puncturing it can worsen inflammation and spread infection. Stop using eye make-up and contact lenses while the eye is irritated, and avoid sharing face towels or cosmetics. If pain is troublesome, ask a pharmacist which pain relief is suitable for you.

Contact a GP if the lump continues to grow, does not start improving, keeps coming back, or interferes with opening the eye. Seek urgent assessment for blurred or reduced vision, severe pain, pain when the eye moves, fever, or redness and swelling spreading around the eye. A clinician should also assess a stye-like lump that persists or changes rather than settling.

Ask whether the swelling is an active stye or a blocked gland, whether an eye medicine is suitable, and how long to continue warm compresses. Ask what level of discharge, redness or vision change should prompt urgent review.