What should you know about white stye?

A stye usually develops near an eyelash or along the eyelid edge when a small oil gland becomes blocked and inflamed. It can be tender, red and swollen, and may form a small white or yellow point. A deeper blocked gland can produce a firmer lump that is less tender. Similar-looking bumps can have different causes, so appearance alone cannot confirm the diagnosis.

The eyeball itself should not be severely painful. Mild watering or a gritty sensation can accompany eyelid irritation, while thick discharge, widespread redness or changes in vision deserve closer attention.

Wash your hands before touching the eye area. Apply a clean warm compress to the closed eyelid, then gently clean the lid margin with water if there is crusting. Do not squeeze, pierce or try to drain the bump, as this can injure the eyelid or spread infection. Pause contact lenses and eye makeup until the eye feels settled, and avoid sharing towels or cosmetics.

If you use eye drops, ointment or skin treatments, check with a pharmacist or clinician that they are appropriate for use near the eye. Do not use another person’s medicine.

Seek urgent assessment for reduced or altered vision, severe eye pain, pain when moving the eye, marked eyelid swelling, fever, injury, chemical exposure or redness spreading around the eye. Arrange a non-urgent appointment if the lump does not settle, repeatedly returns, becomes increasingly painful or you are unsure whether it is a stye. A clinician can examine the lid and decide whether further treatment is needed.

Tell the clinician when the bump appeared, whether it has drained, and whether you have discharge, red eye, blurred vision, contact-lens use or previous eyelid problems. Ask whether you should restart lenses or makeup and what changes should prompt follow-up.