Hello doctor, I have has an internal stye in my bottom eyelid for over a year. It is about 5 mm in diameter and it is not painful but it is very noticeable. Can my GP drain it, or do I have to wait for a hospital appointment? I have done the warm compresses several times daily (not for the whole duration but for a week and nothing has happened) but it is not going away.
Hello. I understand your concern and have seen your photo attachments (attachment removed to protect patient identity). I feel that you may be suffering from a chalazion than a stye, given that the swelling has been there for a year. Chalazia (plural of chalazion), are painless and stony hard in consistency. They usually do not disappear with warm compresses and need surgery to treat. Most GPs have the equipment to drain such swelling, but it is always best to inquire before setting up an appointment. I suggest that you continue giving warm compresses and see your GP or an ophthalmologist.