Your eyes may be showing the first signs of a more serious health problem – here are 8 warning signs you need to pay attention to

Although the condition, which is characterized by a lump on the eyelid caused by a blocked sebaceous gland, usually lasts only a few days, it can persist for months (1).

A persistent stye can be more than just a painful problem. It may actually be a symptom of something more serious – a rare form of cancer known as sebaceous carcinoma (2).

So if you have a long-lasting stye or a stye that appears regularly in the same place, it’s probably time to see a doctor.