The content on this page covers a range of minor conditions affecting eyelids and in this case it is usually best to seek advice from an optician who will have had more experience of eye problems. Ask them or a pharmacist or a doctor to have a look.
Eyelid problems include styes on eyelash follicles, cysts, and droopy lids, and other many and varied issues
If you might be due an eye-test, why not book one, and ask the optician to look at the eyelid problem while you are there.
NHS Information for Patients
NHS Moorfield Eye Hospital has a directory of eye conditions which provides expert NHS information on these and other eye conditions. Advice on some of the most common conditions follow below.
Blepharitis
Blepharitis is a common condition affecting the edge of the eyelid and eyelashes. NHS Imperial Hospitals (London) has prepared a helpful patient information leaflet on treating blepharitis.
Cysts
An eyelid cysts is a firm and sometimes quite hard little lump, which feels like it has grown on the underside of an eyelid, usually near the edge. Clinicians sometimes call them chalazions. Moorfields Eye Hospital provides some informative advice on how to manage such cysts.
Styes
An infected eyelash hair follicle or gland can cause a stye, which is a small painful red lump on the eyelid, often with evidence of a swollen yellowish top which may contain pus. Styes are usually caused by bacteria, but can also be caused by blepharitis or rosacea. The NHS website has some good information on styes with photographs.
Pharmacy Treatments
Ask your pharmacist about minor eye conditions that have appeared within the last few days. They can often suggest treatments, drops or sterile wipes for managing infections or cleaning eyelids.
See an optician if the problem has been around or persists for over a week.
NHS Advice is to see a GP if…
- a stye is very painful or swollen
- it affects your vision
- your eye is producing pus
- the infection has spread to your eye or eyelid
You can call 111 or get help from 111 online.