What should you know about huge stye?

A stye, also called a hordeolum, is an inflamed or infected eyelid gland. It often appears as a painful red bump at the eyelid edge and may cause watering, crusting or a feeling that something is in the eye. A very swollen lid can make the eye look partly closed.

The size of the lump does not by itself show how serious the problem is. A clinician may consider a blocked gland, nearby skin infection or another eyelid lump, especially when the swelling is firm, recurrent or not settling.

Apply a clean, comfortably warm compress to the closed eyelid for several minutes, repeating it through the day if soothing. Wash your hands before and after touching the area, keep the eyelid clean and avoid squeezing, piercing or rubbing the lump. Do not share towels, eye makeup or contact-lens equipment.

Pause eye makeup and contact lenses until the eye feels well. If the lump is large, recurrent or uncomfortable despite simple care, arrange a GP Consultation for an examination and treatment advice.

Seek urgent help for reduced vision, pain when moving the eye, marked light sensitivity, swelling spreading around the eye, fever, severe headache or difficulty opening the eye. Prompt assessment is also sensible for thick Eye Discharge or a very Red Eye, particularly if symptoms worsen quickly.

Ask whether the lump is a stye or another eyelid problem, how long to continue warm compresses, and whether an examination of the eye surface is needed. Tell the clinician about contact-lens use, recurrence, discharge and any change in vision.