What should you know about an inner corner stye?

A stye can form along the eyelid edge when a small gland becomes blocked and inflamed. The bump may sit close to the tear duct, making the inner corner feel sore or gritty. Mild discharge or a crust on waking can occur, but marked discharge, spreading redness, or pain inside the eye needs assessment. A stye is different from a deeper infection around the eye, which can cause increasing swelling, fever, or difficulty moving the eye.

Place a clean, comfortably warm compress over the closed eyelid for around ten minutes, repeating it several times during the day. Wash your hands before and after touching the area, and gently clean away crusts with clean water. Do not squeeze, pierce, or rub the bump. Pause eye makeup and contact lenses until the eyelid has settled, and avoid sharing towels or cosmetics. If it keeps returning, a GP can examine the eyelid and discuss contributing irritation or gland blockage.

Arrange prompt medical advice if redness or swelling spreads beyond the eyelid, the pain is worsening, vision changes, light becomes uncomfortable, or you develop fever. Seek urgent care for severe eye pain, double vision, difficulty moving the eye, or swelling that makes the eye hard to open. An eye that remains very red or produces persistent discharge should also be assessed.

Ask whether the lump is on the eyelid edge or near the tear duct, whether an infection needs treatment, and what signs would suggest a deeper eye problem. You can also ask how to prevent repeated styes and when it is safe to restart contact lenses or makeup.