What does red eye feel like with a stye?

A stye is a tender inflamed spot at the edge of the eyelid, often close to an eyelash. The eyelid may feel bruised, heavy or painful when you blink. You might notice a small red bump, local swelling, watering and irritation on the same side. The redness may be concentrated around the lid rather than spread across the whole white of the eye. A deeper eyelid infection can cause more widespread swelling, so the pattern and speed of change matter.

Place a clean warm, damp cloth over the closed eyelid for several minutes, repeating this through the day if it feels soothing. Keep the eyelid clean and wash your hands before touching your face. Do not squeeze, pierce or pop the lump. Avoid eye makeup and contact lenses until the irritation has settled, and do not share towels or cosmetics. A pharmacist or clinician can advise if pain relief or treatment is appropriate.

Seek prompt care if swelling spreads beyond the eyelid, the eye becomes very painful, vision changes, eye movement hurts, fever develops, or the eye is difficult to open. Arrange review if the lump keeps enlarging, keeps returning, or does not improve with warm compresses. Sudden vision loss or severe eye pain needs urgent assessment.

Ask whether the lump is a stye or another eyelid problem, how to clean the lid safely, and whether treatment is needed. Ask when makeup and contact lenses can be used again.