Eye stye symptoms: what to look for

A stye, also called a hordeolum, is an inflamed spot involving an eyelid oil gland or lash follicle. The area may feel bruised or gritty, and blinking can make it more noticeable. A small yellow point may form as the inflammation collects near the surface. The eye itself may water, while vision is generally unchanged. Redness limited to the lid is different from widespread redness across the eye.

Wash your hands before touching the eyelid. Hold a clean, comfortably warm cloth over the closed eye for several minutes, then repeat during the day. Keep the cloth clean for each use, avoid squeezing or popping the bump, and pause eye makeup and contact lenses until the lid feels well. Do not share towels. More detail about related irritation is available under [Eye Discharge](/symptoms/eye-discharge/) and [Red Eye](/symptoms/red-eye/).

Arrange a GP Consultation (/treatments/consultations-and-assessment/gp-consultation/) if the swelling keeps returning, does not settle, or makes it difficult to open the eye. Seek urgent help for severe eye pain, reduced or blurred vision, marked light sensitivity, fever, or redness and swelling spreading around the eye. These features need assessment because they can involve more than a local eyelid gland.

Ask whether the lump is a stye or another eyelid problem, whether any treatment is needed, and how to reduce recurrences. Mention contact-lens use, makeup, repeated episodes, discharge, pain with eye movement, or any change in vision.