When to worry about red eye with a stye

A stye is a tender, localised lump near the eyelid edge. It can make nearby skin puffy and the white of the eye mildly red or watery. The discomfort is usually focused around the lump rather than deep inside the eye.

Redness extending across the eyelid or cheek, increasing warmth, fever, or feeling unwell may indicate infection beyond a simple stye. Pain with eye movement or changes in sight are not typical features to watch at home.

Place a clean warm compress over the closed eyelid for several minutes, repeating it through the day. Wash your hands before and after touching the area, and keep eye makeup and contact lenses aside until it heals.

Do not squeeze, pierce, or pop the lump. Use only eye medication recommended for you. If the stye keeps returning, lasts longer than expected, or interferes with vision, arrange an examination to check the eyelid and surrounding tissues.

Arrange urgent assessment for rapidly worsening swelling, spreading redness, fever, severe tenderness, pus with marked swelling, or difficulty opening the eye. A clinician may need to check for eyelid cellulitis or another cause of inflammation.

Seek emergency help for reduced vision, double vision, severe headache with nausea, or pain when moving the eye. These symptoms need assessment because infection or inflammation may involve structures deeper than the eyelid.

Does this look like a simple stye or spreading eyelid infection? How should I use warm compresses? Do I need treatment, and when can I restart makeup or contact lenses?