A stye usually starts as a sensitive, red, swollen area on the surface of the eyelid along the eyelash line. This changes into a small, tender bump similar to an acne pimple. The eye may water, and the eyelid may be painful. Typically the stye comes to a head (clear or yellow fluid collects in the stye) and breaks open within about 3 days. After the stye opens, it usually heals and goes away. See a picture of a stye.

An internal hordeolum, though deeper inside the eyelid, has the same symptoms as a stye.

A chalazion tends to grow more slowly and deeper into the eyelid than a stye, usually does not cause pain, and may last for several months. A chalazion may form a firm lump under the skin of the eyelid, especially when the pore of the oil gland is blocked and material builds up inside the gland. The inflammation and swelling may spread beyond the eyelid to the areas near the eye, such as the eyebrow. It may grow large enough to interfere with vision. See a picture of a chalazion.