Stye

Stye symptoms

The tell‑tale sign of a stye is the small lump either inside or outside the eyelid. Here are some more eye stye symptoms to look out for:

• A red, swollen eyelid

• A feeling of pain or tenderness, particularly when you blink or touch the area (often the beginning stages of eye styes)

• Itchy eyes

• A scratchy or gritty feeling on the inner side your eyelid (like there’s something in your eye)

• Sensitivity to light

• Crust on your eyelid

• A small yellow or white spot at the centre of the lump

• Watery eyes

It’s possible to get recurrent styes either in the same eye or in both eyes, but they usually present in one eye at a time.

How to treat a stye

A stye will usually resolve on its own after a couple weeks. In that time, the stye will usually swell, before developing a white or yellow ‘head’ (similar to a pimple) that will eventually drain and disappear.

However, there are a few ways of accelerating this process and easing your symptoms:

How to get rid of an eye stye at home

A popular home remedy for a stye is using a warm compress to help to encourage the pus to drain away and the stye to heal.

Use a clean, warm compress designed for eyecare (like a microwaveable eye mask available at most pharmacies) and hold this up to the affected eye for around 10‑15 minutes. Repeat this several times a day (just remember to keep your eye closed).

The heat will encourage any pus to come to the surface, so the fluid can be released, and the healing process can begin.

Medical treatment for styes

If the stye is persistent and doesn’t go away on its own, you may need to see an eyecare specialist who can manually drain the pus using a needle (and something to numb the area).

Sometimes styes can recur frequently, in which case you may be prescribed an antibiotic ointment to use on the affected area.

While it’s healing, your optometrist might recommend that you avoid wearing contact lenses and eye make‑up to reduce any further irritation to the eye. You should also avoid touching or putting pressure on the stye yourself as this can create further complications.

Eye styes are very common and most of us will experience one at some point. Most cases are mild and will go away on their own. However, some people will get painful or recurring styes which can impact their daily lives.

Generally, maintaining good eye and overall hygiene is enough to reduce your risk of getting a stye. But, if you’re getting them frequently or are concerned about a stye, you can book an eye exam and get advice from an optometrist on how to treat and get rid of your stye.