Removing a stye from the eye

A stye is a small inflamed lump near an eyelash or eyelid gland. It may be red, sore to touch, and uncomfortable when blinking. Some people notice watering, crusting, or a feeling that something is in the eye. These features can occur with a stye, but they do not identify every cause of a red or irritated eye.

A stye generally affects a local part of the lid. Pain deep in the eye, blurred or reduced vision, strong sensitivity to light, or difficulty moving the eye needs a different level of assessment because those features can signal a more serious eye problem.

Clean your hands, close the affected eye, and place a clean warm cloth over the lid for several minutes. Repeat during the day, reheating the cloth so it remains comfortably warm. Use a separate clean cloth for each eye and avoid rubbing. Pause contact lenses and eye makeup while the lid is sore or draining.

Do not pop the lump, pierce it with a sharp object, or use leftover antibiotic or steroid drops. If it drains naturally, wipe away fluid gently with clean water and avoid pressure. A clinician may prescribe treatment or consider drainage when a swelling persists, is unusually large, or is associated with infection.

Seek prompt care for a change in vision, severe pain, pain when moving the eye, fever, rapidly increasing swelling, or redness spreading across the face. Arrange a GP assessment if the lump is not improving, returns repeatedly, or discharge continues. For related information, see [Eye Discharge](/symptoms/eye-discharge/) and [Red Eye](/symptoms/red-eye/). A [GP Consultation](/treatments/consultations-and-assessment/gp-consultation/) can help distinguish a simple eyelid lump from a condition needing different treatment.

Ask whether the swelling is a stye, how often to use warm compresses, whether you should stop lenses or makeup for longer, and what symptoms should trigger urgent review. Mention any repeated lumps, eye discharge, or vision changes.