Stye on the upper waterline

The waterline is the inner edge of the eyelid beside the eye surface. A stye there may feel like a sore spot, gritty sensation, swelling, or a small pus-filled point. The eye can water and the eyelid may look red. A stye is localised to the lid; it does not by itself show that the eyeball is infected.

Avoid pressing on the bump. Touching it can transfer germs and increase irritation. Watery or sticky material may occur; see related guidance on Eye Discharge and Red Eye if those symptoms are prominent.

Wash your hands before and after touching the eye area. Hold a clean, comfortably warm cloth over the closed eyelid for several minutes, repeating this through the day. Use a fresh clean part of the cloth each time, and do not share towels.

Pause eye makeup and contact lenses until the lid feels well again. Do not pop, pierce, or scrape the stye, and do not put non-prescribed creams or drops on the waterline. A clinician can decide whether treatment is needed if it does not improve.

Arrange a GP Consultation if the swelling keeps returning, is not settling, or makes it difficult to open the eye. Seek prompt medical care for worsening pain, spreading redness or swelling, fever, reduced vision, marked light sensitivity, pain when moving the eye, or swelling that extends beyond the eyelid.

Ask whether the lump is consistent with a stye, whether another eyelid problem could explain repeated episodes, and which drops or ointments are appropriate near the waterline. Mention contact lens use, recent eye products, discharge, vision change, and how quickly the swelling developed.