Stye on the lower lash line: what to know

A stye, also called a hordeolum, develops near an eyelash follicle or an oil gland in the eyelid. The lower lid may look swollen, red, or sore, with a small spot close to the lashes. Blinking or touching the area can make it feel more uncomfortable. The lump itself does not establish the cause of every red or swollen eye; irritation, another eyelid problem, or infection elsewhere can look similar.

Wash your hands before and after touching the eyelid. Hold a clean, comfortably warm cloth over the closed eye for several minutes, repeating this through the day. Do not squeeze, pierce, or try to pull out the lash, because this can irritate the skin and spread infection. Avoid eye makeup and contact lenses until the area has settled, and do not share towels or cosmetics. A pharmacist or clinician can advise whether any eye treatment is appropriate for your symptoms.

Arrange a GP consultation if the swelling keeps worsening, does not begin to settle, keeps returning, or you are unsure that it is a stye. Seek urgent medical help for reduced vision, severe eye pain, pain when moving the eye, marked swelling around the eye, fever, or redness spreading into the cheek. Thick discharge or pronounced redness may need assessment; see information about Eye Discharge and Red Eye for related symptoms.

Ask whether the lump is in the eyelid or on the eye surface, whether your medicines or contact-lens use affect treatment, and what changes should prompt a GP Consultation.