Eye problem noticed in the middle of last year (4)

I believe the answer is:

stye

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'eye problem' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

'of last year' is the wordplay.
'of' indicates a hidden word.
'STYE' can be found hidden inside 'last year'.

'noticed in the middle' is the link.
This may not be right. Some or all of it may be part of another bit of the clue.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for stye that I've seen before include "pain for the observer" , "Climb" , "Eye sore" , "producing eyesore" , "Eyelid problem" .)

I've seen this clue in The Hindu.

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