What should you know about persistent stye?

A stye is a painful, tender swelling at the eyelid edge, often near an eyelash, where a small gland becomes inflamed. It may produce watering, crusting, or local redness. A deeper, firmer, less tender lump can be a blocked gland rather than an active stye. Persistent or repeatedly returning lumps should be examined, especially when the appearance changes or the same spot does not settle.

Apply a comfortably warm, clean compress to the closed eyelid for several minutes, repeating this through the day. Wash your hands before touching the eye, keep the eyelid gently clean, and avoid squeezing or puncturing the lump. Pause eye makeup and contact lenses until the eye is comfortable. Do not use leftover antibiotic or steroid eye products without professional advice. A GP Consultation can help decide whether you need further eye care.

Get urgent help for reduced or blurred vision, severe eye pain, pain when moving the eye, marked swelling around the eye, fever, light sensitivity, or redness spreading beyond the eyelid. Arrange an appointment if the lump persists, recurs, drains repeatedly, or is not becoming less tender. Eye Discharge or a widespread Red Eye may point to another condition needing assessment.

Does this look like a stye or a blocked eyelid gland? Is there infection requiring treatment? Could my eyelid hygiene, makeup, contact lenses, or another eye condition be contributing?