Stye treatment
A stye is a painful bump near the edge of your eyelid. Makeup and dirty contact lenses can cause styes by clogging glands. A common home treatment option is to apply a warm compress to the affected eye. Most styes will heal on their own* in a few days.
Find care
Services are available at MinuteClinic (virtual care also available) and CVS Pharmacy®
Insurance and pricing
Most insurance accepted. Check your coverage or estimate the cost of your visit if you’re uninsured or prefer to pay out-of-pocket.
Looking for information about styes in the eye? We have you covered.
What is a stye?
A stye looks like a pimple on the lower or upper part of the eyelid. This bump is caused by a blocked gland. Styes are not contagious.*
There are two types of glands on the eyelid that secrete an oily material called sebum. Scar tissue or foreign substances like makeup and dust can clog the opening. This can cause sebum to thicken and flow slowly or not at all. A change in the flow can cause a stye to develop.
What symptoms can occur with a stye?
Common symptoms include the following:
- Eye pressure
- Feeling like there’s a foreign body in your eye, especially when you blink
- Pain in the area of the bump
A more minor symptom is discharge on your eyelids and lashes.
Getting help
A MinuteClinic provider can help you understand the various treatments for your symptoms. They may also discuss the use of over-the-counter medications and other options to treat the pain.
- You may have to answer a few questions about symptoms to help us prepare for your visit prior to scheduling your appointment.
Check-in varies depending on how you scheduled your appointment:
If you made your appointment online:
Check in using the email or text message we sent to confirm your appointment. If you prefer to check in using the electronic kiosk, make sure you have your confirmation code.If you made your appointment in the clinic:
Sign in at the electronic kiosk.If you made a MinuteClinic Virtual Care® appointment:
To join your virtual visit, use the link in the email or text message we sent you to confirm your appointment. Please join 15 minutes before your scheduled visit time. You will need your date of birth and zip code to join the visit.- When it's time for your appointment, a provider will call your name.
- Your provider will conduct a thorough examination based on your reason for visit, presenting symptoms and health history. Charges will be based on examination and services provided during the visit.
- At the end of your visit, you are provided with a visit summary, receipt and educational material about your diagnosis. At your request, we can send your primary care provider information about your visit.
Frequently asked questions
A non-infected stye usually gets better on its own with home care. A common home treatment option is to apply a warm compress to the affected eye. This helps soften the secretion, allowing it to drain naturally.
IMPORTANT! PLEASE READ: This material is for reference only and should not be used to determine treatment for specific medical conditions. Please visit a health care provider for evaluation, diagnosis and treatment of any symptoms you may be experiencing. If you're experiencing a medical emergency, please dial 911 or visit your local emergency department.
REFERENCES USED AS SOURCES FOR THIS PAGE:
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*FOR STYES ARE NOT CONTAGIOUS: Repka MX. Are styes in the eye contagious? American Academy of Ophthalmology. September 19, 2023.
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*FOR MOST WILL HEAL ON THEIR OWN: Mayo Clinic. Stye (sty). Updated June 14, 2022.