What should you know about hard stye?

A hard stye is a firm, localised eyelid lump that can follow a blocked or infected eyelid gland. It may feel sore when touched, and the surrounding lid can look swollen or red.

The lump is usually at the eyelid edge or within the lid. A stye can begin with tenderness and later feel more solid as swelling settles. Do not assume every eyelid lump is a stye: a painless lump that remains may have a different cause and deserves an examination. Eye discharge or a red eye can occur alongside eyelid inflammation.

Hold a clean, comfortably warm cloth over the closed eye for several minutes, repeating this through the day. Wash your hands before and after touching the eyelid, keep the lid clean, and avoid squeezing or piercing the lump. Pause eye makeup and contact lenses until the eye has settled. A clinician can advise whether treatment is needed after examining the lid.

Arrange prompt medical care if pain or swelling is severe, vision changes, light becomes uncomfortable, fever develops, or redness spreads around the eye. Seek urgent help if the eye cannot open normally, eye movement is painful, or you feel seriously unwell. Book a GP Consultation if the lump does not improve, keeps returning, or leaves a firm painless swelling.

Ask whether the lump is a stye or another eyelid condition, how long to continue warm compresses, and whether you should stop any eye products. Mention contact-lens use, repeated episodes, discharge, vision changes, and medicines or allergies.