KN
1
1
Mild severity
· Ophthalmology
Stye
Hordeolum · Painful eyelid lump
A small, painful red lump on the eyelid caused by a blocked, infected oil gland. Most settle within a week with warm compresses.
At a glance
- Prevalence
- Very common
- Typical age
- All ages
- Outlook
- Usually clears on its own
- System
- Vision
Reviewed by a verified Ophthalmology doctor
What causes it
Causes
- Blocked, infected eyelid oil gland
- Staphylococcus bacteria
- Touching eyes with dirty hands
- Old or shared eye makeup
- Blepharitis (lid inflammation)
How it feels
Symptoms & effects
- Painful red lump on the eyelid
- Swelling and tenderness
- Watery eye
- Crusting along the lid
- Feeling of something in the eye
How it’s treated
Treatment & cure
- Warm compresses several times a day
- Gentle lid hygiene
- Antibiotic ointment if needed
- Avoid squeezing the stye
- Minor drainage by a doctor if large
Staying ahead
Prevention
- Wash hands before touching eyes
- Remove eye makeup nightly
- Do not share eye cosmetics
- Treat lid inflammation
Do’s
- Apply a clean warm compress often
- Keep eyelids clean
- Discard old eye makeup
- Let it drain on its own
Don’ts
- Squeeze or pop the stye
- Wear contact lenses or makeup over it
- Share towels or cosmetics
- Ignore spreading redness or vision change
See a doctor immediately if
Symptoms are sudden or severe, getting worse despite home care, or interfering with sleep, work or daily life. Don’t self-diagnose from the internet — book a verified clinician below.
Top specialists
See all ophthalmology doctors Top 4 doctors for Stye
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Disclaimer ·
This article is educational and reviewed by clinicians, but it cannot replace an in-person assessment.
Medication doses, prevention advice and treatment choices vary by person. Always confirm with a doctor before acting on anything here.