Styes and eyelid lumps in Reservoir
Stye or chalazion? Understanding a lump on the eyelid
A stye is usually a small, tender lump near the eyelid edge. A chalazion is more often a slower-growing, less painful lump caused by a blocked eyelid oil gland.
Many settle with simple care, but a lump that affects vision, becomes very painful, spreads redness through the eyelid or does not improve should be assessed.
Common differences
Two common eyelid lumps can feel different.
Stye
A stye is commonly a small, red and painful lump on the inside or outside of the eyelid. It may feel irritated or watery and can develop a small pus point.
Chalazion
A chalazion is usually a smoother, firmer lump within the eyelid. It often develops more gradually and may be less tender than a stye.
Not every lump is the same
Eyelid swelling can have other causes. Recurrent, unusual, enlarging or persistent lumps deserve an examination rather than self-diagnosis.
Simple care
Warm compresses may help a blocked gland settle.
Apply a clean, comfortably warm washcloth to the closed eyelid for several minutes, several times through the day. Gently clean away any discharge with a fresh clean cloth.
Squeezing can spread inflammation or infection into nearby tissue. Wash your hands before and after touching the area, and use a clean cloth each time.
Pause contact-lens wear and eye make-up while the eye or eyelid is sore, red or swollen. Do not use leftover antibiotic drops: treatment depends on the cause and antibiotics are not routinely needed for an uncomplicated lump.
Arrange an assessment
Seek advice when the lump is not following a simple course.
It is getting worse
Arrange review if the lump becomes large or very painful, affects vision, or is not improving after one to two weeks of self-care.
It keeps returning
Repeated lumps, a lump that persists for months, or an area that looks unusual should be examined and may need medical or ophthalmology follow-up.
The eye is also red
If redness involves the eye itself, or there is light sensitivity, discharge, pain or blur, see our Red Eyes guide and seek timely care.
When not to wait
Spreading swelling or vision change needs prompt medical care.
Seek urgent medical care if redness and swelling spread around the eye, the skin becomes hot or very painful, you feel feverish or generally unwell, eye movement is painful or restricted, the eye appears pushed forward, or vision changes.
Go to an emergency department or call triple zero (000) when symptoms are severe or immediately concerning. For other sudden eye problems, see our Medical & Urgent Eye Care guide.
What we can check
An eye assessment looks beyond the visible bump.
We can examine the eyelid, the eye surface and vision, ask about timing and recurrence, and advise whether simple care, GP review or ophthalmology referral is the sensible next step. If you are due for broader care, read about our comprehensive eye tests in Reservoir.
Australian patient information
Sources used for this guide
See Healthdirect: Stye, Healthdirect: Swollen eye and Perth Children’s Hospital’s clinical guide to chalazions and styes.
Related eyelid guide
More widespread or recurring lid-edge irritation?
A localised lump may occur alongside broader eyelid inflammation. See our guide to blepharitis and crusty eyelid edges.
Eyelid assessment in Reservoir
Concerned about a new or persistent eyelid lump?
Book an assessment or call Reservoir Spectacles so we can help you choose an appropriate next step.