Eye stye or chalazion: what to know

A stye, or hordeolum, forms when a lash follicle or eyelid gland becomes blocked and inflamed, so the lid edge may feel sore and look red. A chalazion develops when an oil gland remains blocked and the trapped material causes a rounded lump farther from the lash line. It may follow a stye or appear without much tenderness. Both can cause local swelling, and either can press on the eye if large enough to blur vision. Appearance alone cannot always identify the cause.

Use a clean warm compress on the closed lid for several minutes, repeating it during the day, then gently clean the lid. Do not squeeze, lance, or massage forcefully. Avoid eye makeup and contact lenses until irritation has cleared, and wash hands before touching the eye. A chalazion that remains, enlarges, or affects vision may need an examination; treatment can differ from care for an actively inflamed stye.

Seek a GP Consultation for a persistent or repeatedly returning lump, a swelling that affects sight, or uncertainty about whether it is a stye or chalazion. Prompt assessment is needed for severe pain, fever, marked light sensitivity, reduced vision, or redness spreading beyond the eyelid. Widespread Red Eye or unusual Eye Discharge should also be reported.

Ask whether the lump is more consistent with a stye or chalazion, how to perform compresses, and how long to monitor it. Discuss recurrent eyelid inflammation, changes in vision, discharge, and whether any examination or treatment is needed.