Stye (Hordeolum): Symptoms, Causes and Treatment

A stye is a small, painful lump that forms along the edge of the eyelid, often caused by a blocked or infected gland. It can appear suddenly and feel uncomfortable, but most styes are harmless and settle with simple care.

Author: Jo Lindley
Published: March 31, 2026
Last reviewed by: Jo Lindley
Last reviewed: March 31, 2026

A stye, also known as a hordeolum, is a common eyelid infection that causes a small, painful lump near the edge of the eyelid.

If you’ve noticed a red, tender swelling that looks like a spot on your eyelid, you may have a stye in your eye. Although uncomfortable, most styes are harmless and clear up on their own with simple care.

Book your eye examination today

 

What is a stye?

A stye is a small infection of one of the oil glands or hair follicles along the eyelid. It usually appears as a red, swollen bump near the lash line and can look similar to a pimple.

Styes often develop quickly and may feel: 

  • Tender
  • Warm 
  • Slightly painful
  • Swollen

In most cases, a stye forms on the outside of the eyelid (external stye), but it can also develop on the inside of the lid (internal stye).

 

Chalazion vs stye

Styes are sometimes confused with a chalazion, but they are not the same.

A stye is caused by an active bacterial infection and is usually painful and red.

A chalazion develops when an oil gland becomes blocked but not infected. It tends to form more slowly, is often painless, and may feel firmer.

If you are unsure whether you have a chalazion or stye, an optometrist can assess the lump and advise on appropriate treatment.

 

Stye symptoms

Common stye symptoms include:

  • A red, swollen lump on the eyelid
  • Pain or tenderness
  • Localised swelling
  • Watery eyes
  • Sensitivity to light
  • A gritty sensation

You may also notice itchiness around the eyelid. However, if both eyes are red, irritated and producing discharge, this may indicate conjunctivitis rather than a stye. 

Conjunctivitis affects the thin, transparent layer covering the white of the eye (the conjunctiva). When this layer becomes inflamed, the tiny blood vessels within it dilate, giving the eye a characteristic pink or red appearance.

In contrast, a stye is localised to a specific lump on the eyelid rather than causing widespread redness across the eye.

 

What causes a stye?

Styes develop when bacteria infect an eyelid gland or hair follicle.

Common causes include: 

  • Blocked oil glands 
  • Bacterial build-up along the lash line 
  • Touching or rubbing the eyes with unclean hands Poor eyelid hygiene Not removing eye makeup properly 
  • Wearing contact lenses without proper cleaning 

The most common bacteria involved is Staphylococcus, which naturally lives on the skin but can cause infection if it enters a blocked gland.

 

Risk factors

Some people are more prone to developing styes than others.

Risk factors include:

If you experience recurring styes, it may indicate an underlying eyelid condition that requires assessment.

 

Diagnosis

A stye is usually diagnosed through a simple examination of the eyelid during an eye examination.

Your optometrist will look at the swelling and surrounding tissue to confirm whether it is a stye or another condition, such as a chalazion or cyst.

Further testing is rarely needed unless styes are frequent or unusually persistent. 

 

Stye treatment

In most cases, stye treatment is simple and effective.

Let it resolve naturally - Most styes improve within 7 to 10 days and drain on their own.

Warm compresses - Applying a warm compress to the eyelid for 10–15 minutes, 3 to 4 times a day, can help soften blockage and encourage drainage. Clean, gentle heat is often the most effective home treatment. 

Gentle eyelid hygiene - Keeping the eyelid clean can help prevent further infection. Avoid squeezing or attempting to pop the stye, as this can worsen inflammation.

Avoid makeup and contact lenses - Until the stye heals, it is best to avoid eye makeup and switch to glasses if possible.

 

When to see a doctor

You should seek professional advice if:

  • The stye does not improve after 1–2 weeks
  • Swelling spreads across the eyelid Vision becomes affected
  • Pain becomes severe
  • Styes keep returning

In some cases, antibiotic ointment may be prescribed. Rarely, persistent styes may require minor drainage by a specialist.

 

Stye stages

Styes often follow a predictable pattern: 

  1. Early redness and tenderness along the eyelid 
  2. Swelling and formation of a visible lump 
  3. Possible development of a small yellow point as pus collects 
  4. Drainage and gradual healing 

Most resolve without complication.

 

Prevention 

While styes are common, good eyelid hygiene can reduce your risk. 

  • Wash your hands before touching your eyes Remove eye makeup thoroughly each night 
  • Replace old makeup regularly
  • Clean contact lenses properly and follow hygiene guidance 
  • Manage underlying eyelid conditions such as blepharitis

 If you wear contact lenses, read our guide on how to clean your contact lenses to reduce infection risk.

 

Takeaway

A stye in the eye is a common and usually harmless infection of the eyelid that causes a red, painful lump. Most styes clear up with warm compresses and gentle care. However, if symptoms persist or styes keep returning, it may indicate an underlying eyelid condition that requires professional assessment.

If you are concerned about a stye or any change in your eye health, book an eye test with our experienced optometrists. 

Book an appointment 

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FAQs

No. Squeezing a stye can worsen infection and delay healing.

The bacteria involved can spread through poor hygiene, so avoid sharing towels or eye products.

Stress does not directly cause styes, but it may weaken immune response, making infection more likely.

A stye is a localised lump on the eyelid, whereas conjunctivitis affects the thin, transparent layer covering the white of the eye. In conjunctivitis, the blood vessels become dilated, giving the eye a characteristic pink or red appearance, often with more widespread redness and discharge.

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