Stye on the lash line: what to know and do

A stye, also called a hordeolum, forms near an eyelash when a small oil gland or follicle becomes blocked and inflamed. It may look like a red bump at the lid margin, with soreness, watering, crusting or a gritty feeling. A stye can occur on either eyelid and may make blinking uncomfortable. It is different from a deeper, usually less tender blocked gland, so an examination can help if the lump persists.

Place a clean, comfortably warm compress over the closed eye for several minutes, repeating this through the day. Wash your hands before touching the eyelid, keep the lid gently clean, and avoid squeezing or piercing the bump. Do not share towels, eye cosmetics or contact-lens equipment; pause eye makeup and contact lenses until the eye feels settled. Do not put non-prescribed creams or drops into the eye. If sticky fluid or crusting is present, see our guide to Eye Discharge.

Arrange prompt medical assessment if pain or swelling is spreading beyond the eyelid, vision changes, light hurts your eyes, the eye cannot open normally, or you feel feverish or unwell. Seek urgent help for sudden loss of vision, severe eye pain, or an injury involving the eye. A stye that is not settling, keeps returning, or leaves a firm lump also deserves review; a GP can check the eyelid and decide whether treatment is needed. See Red Eye for related warning signs.

Could this be a stye or another eyelid lump? What should I use to clean the lid? Do my symptoms suggest an infection around the eye? When should I return if the swelling remains?