Stye or eyelid lump not improving
A sore eyelid bump, or a lump that won't go away? Check whether it can be assessed online. A clinician checks for spreading infection or eye involvement, then advises on care — often warm compresses.
- No appointment or video call
- NZ clinician reviewed
- Pay only if approved
What to expect
Talk to Quinn, our AI assistant. A NZ clinician reviews your history and decides your care.
- A new uncomplicated stye should first have warm compresses and lid care at home
- A clinician may review a lump that has not improved after warm compresses and lid care
- The clinician may ask for a clear eyelid photo before deciding
- Spreading redness, eye symptoms or an unusual persistent lump needs examination
Is this service right for me?
Start an online assessment if…
- A stye has not improved after at least two weeks of warm compresses and lid care, or the lump is recurring
- An eyelid lump has not improved after warm compresses and lid care
- There is no fever, vision change, severe pain or redness spreading around the eye
Use another service first if…
- Vision change, severe eye pain, fever, a bulging eye or difficulty opening the eye
- Swelling spreading onto the face or a repeated, unusual or persistent lump
When to get care sooner
Some symptoms need urgent or in-person care.
Seek urgent in-person care if you…
- have any change in your vision
- have severe pain
- notice the swelling spreading onto your face
- have a bulging eye
- develop a fever
- can't open the eye
See your GP if you…
- keep getting styes
About stye or eyelid lump not improving
A stye is usually a small, tender, infected lump at the base of an eyelash. A chalazion is often a firmer, less painful lump from a blocked oil gland. It sometimes appears after a stye has settled. Most of these lumps heal on their own with simple home care.
- A small tender bump near the eyelash line or a longer-lasting painless eyelid lump
- Local eyelid swelling without vision change, severe eye pain or facial spread
How your online consultation works
No appointment or video call to book. See the current clinician review time before you start.
- Tell QuinnDescribe your concern in your own words. Quinn, our AI assistant, gathers the information for your clinician.
- Clinician reviewA registered NZ clinician reviews your history and decides your care. They may ask for more detail.
- Receive your careApproved documents are saved in My care. Any prescription goes to your chosen pharmacy.
Keep your usual GP. You choose whether to share your approved consultation summary with your usual practice.
What we’ll ask about
Answer naturally. Quinn follows up on what matters to your situation, using these topics for the assessment.
- Which eyelid is affected, pain, swelling and duration
- Vision, eye pain, fever or redness spreading around the eye
- Recurrence, contact lenses, treatments tried and health history
Frequently asked questions
Do styes and chalazia need antibiotics to heal?
Not usually. Many styes and chalazia settle on their own with warm compresses and lid hygiene, without needing any medication.
Can repeated styes mean something else is going on?
Sometimes. Styes that keep happening can point to an eyelid oil-gland problem, or occasionally to high blood sugar. It's worth a check with your clinician if this keeps recurring.
Fees and practical details
Your consultation fee is shown before submission. Your card is charged only if care is approved; medicine and pharmacy costs are separate.