What should you know about a stye in the eye?

A stye may appear as a red, painful swelling at the eyelid edge, sometimes with a small yellow point. The eyelid can feel gritty or sore, and mild watering or eye discharge may occur. It is usually localised, unlike widespread eyelid swelling or redness across the skin around the eye.

Do not squeeze or puncture it. A lump that is firm and not tender may be a blocked gland rather than an active stye, while repeated styes can be associated with eyelid inflammation. Changes in vision are not typical and should be assessed.

Wash your hands, then hold a clean warm—not hot—cloth against the closed eyelid for several minutes. Repeat regularly with a freshly clean cloth, and gently clean away any crusting. Avoid eye makeup and contact lenses until the eye has settled; do not share towels, cosmetics or eye products.

Most uncomplicated styes improve with supportive care. A GP Consultation can check the eyelid if the lump persists, keeps returning, or needs treatment such as prescribed medicine or drainage. Never use another person’s eye drops.

Seek urgent medical help for reduced or blurred vision, severe eye pain, pain when moving the eye, marked light sensitivity, fever, rapidly spreading redness or swelling around the eye. Arrange prompt assessment for a stye that does not improve, recurs often, or is associated with persistent eye discharge.

Ask: Is this a stye or another eyelid lump? Is the eye surface involved? How should I clean the lid? When can I restart contact lenses or makeup? What signs would mean the infection is spreading?