What is a stye or chalazion?
A stye is an infection at the base of an eyelash, and a chalazion is a blocked oil gland in the eyelid. Both produce a tender or firm lump, and most settle with warm compresses.
- Subject
- Eye conditions
- Topic
- Infections, allergies & injuries
- Kind of question
- What is…
- Last reviewed
- 22 September 2026
In more detail
One that enlarges, keeps returning, or affects vision should be examined rather than repeatedly treated at home.
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Where this answer sits
It is one of 483 answers in the vision and eye health knowledge base, filed under Eye conditions & diseases in Infections, allergies & injuries . The subject page carries the answers either side of it, and the hub is searchable.
Subjects this question touches
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- Condition Glaucoma
- Condition Keratoconus
- Condition Retina and macula conditions
- Condition Diabetic eye disease
- Condition Eye infections, allergies and injuries
This information is for educational purposes and does not replace an examination by a qualified eye-care professional.
General answers cannot tell you what is happening in your own eyes. Only an examination by a qualified ophthalmologist can do that.
Sources & further reading
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- EyeSmart: eye health information for the public
Patient-facing material from the largest ophthalmology professional body, covering conditions, tests and treatments outside refractive surgery.
Used for Cross-checking patient-facing explanations of non-refractive eye conditions; Describing what tests such as dilation and OCT involve.
Link checked 23 September 2026