Stye next to the eye: what to know

A stye, known medically as a hordeolum, starts in a lash follicle or oil gland at the eyelid margin. It may be tender, red, and swollen, and sometimes develops a small pale point. The nearby eye can water because blinking is uncomfortable. A hard, painless lump or repeated swelling may have a different explanation, so location alone cannot confirm a stye.

Apply a clean warm cloth to the closed eyelid for several minutes, refreshing the warmth as needed. Wash your hands before touching the area and keep the lid clean. Do not squeeze the bump or use a needle. Avoid contact lenses, eye makeup, and shared towels while symptoms continue. If you use an eye product, check with a pharmacist or clinician first; a product made for skin is not automatically safe for the eye.

Contact a GP if the stye is becoming larger, remains painful, returns repeatedly, or is not improving. Get urgent help if the eyelid becomes very swollen, redness spreads, you develop fever, vision changes, severe pain, light sensitivity, or pain when moving the eye. An associated Eye Discharge or Red Eye may need separate assessment rather than stye care alone.

Ask whether this is a stye or another eyelid lump, whether contact lenses should remain out, and whether you need a GP Consultation or a different eye assessment.