Discovering a red, tender bump near your eyelid can be uncomfortable and concerning. At Central Optometry, we understand that while styes are a common eye issue, many people worry about whether they can spread to others. The good news is that styes are not typically contagious in the same way as viral infections like pink eye. However, because bacteria cause them, certain precautions should be taken to prevent potential transmission.
With the correct hygiene habits and at-home care, styes can resolve on their own. However, if your symptoms persist or become more severe, visiting an optometrist can be beneficial. Let’s explore what causes styes, how to manage them, and when it’s time to seek professional care.
What Is an Eye Stye?
An eye stye, also called a hordeolum, is a localized infection that occurs when bacteria block the oil glands or hair follicles in the eyelid. While styes are typically harmless and will clear up without medical intervention, they can cause discomfort and, in some cases, require treatment.
Causes & Symptoms of Eye Styes
Styes develop when bacteria, commonly Staphylococcus, infect the oil-producing glands in the eyelids. This can happen due to poor eyelid hygiene, using expired or contaminated eye makeup, or frequently touching the eyes with unwashed hands.
Common Symptoms Include:
- A red, swollen bump near the edge of the eyelid
- Eyelid swelling, sometimes affecting the entire eyelid
- Discharge that may cause crusting along the lash line
- A sore, itchy, or irritated sensation
- Sensitivity to light
- Excessive tearing
- A feeling of something in the eye
If these symptoms persist for more than a few days, or if you experience severe swelling, pain, or vision disturbances, it’s time to visit an optometrist.
Types of Styes: Internal vs. External
There are two primary types of styes, both of which cause discomfort but differ in location and appearance:
- External styes: Form on the outer surface of the eyelid, typically at the base of an eyelash follicle.
- Internal styes: Develop on the inner side of the eyelid due to an infected oil gland.
Regardless of type, proper hygiene and care are necessary for managing styes and preventing future occurrences.
Are Eye Styes Contagious?
Styes are not highly contagious like viral infections, but because they are caused by bacteria, there is a small risk of spreading the infection through direct or indirect contact. The bacteria responsible for styes can transfer from person to person through contaminated objects or poor hygiene practices.
How Styes Might Spread:
- Direct contact: Touching an infected eye and then touching another person’s eye.
- Shared items: Using the same towels, makeup, pillowcases, or eye care products as someone with a stye.
- Touching the eye area: If bacteria from the stye transfer to your hands and then to another surface or person, there is a possibility of infection.
To minimize the risk of bacterial spread, wash your hands frequently and avoid sharing personal eye care items.
How to Prevent & Manage Styes
While styes are not always preventable, good hygiene practices can significantly reduce your risk. If you develop a stye, taking proper care can also speed up the healing process.
Hygiene Tips to Prevent Styes:
- Wash your hands frequently, especially before touching your face or eyes.
- Remove makeup before bed to prevent bacteria buildup.
- Avoid sharing eye makeup, contact lenses, towels, or pillowcases.
- Replace eye makeup every few months to prevent contamination.
- Clean your eyelids regularly using a mild cleanse, or specialized eyelid wipes.
How to Treat a Stye at Home
Styes often heal on their own within a week or two, but recovery times can vary. You can take steps to relieve discomfort and promote healing:
- Warm compress: Apply a warm, damp cloth to the affected eyelid for 10–15 minutes, 3–4 times a day to help open the blocked gland and encourage drainage.
- Gentle eyelid cleaning: Use a mild soap or eyelid cleanser to keep the area clean.
- Avoid popping it: Never attempt to squeeze or pop a stye, as this can worsen the infection and lead to further complications.
- Keep hands off: Avoid rubbing or touching the affected eye to prevent bacterial spread.
When to See an Optometrist
Styes usually resolve without medical treatment, but there are times when professional care is necessary. You should book an appointment with an optometrist if:
- The stye does not improve within 48 hours of home treatment.
- The swelling and pain become severe or spread beyond the eyelid.
- You experience vision changes or difficulty opening your eye.
- The stye recurs frequently, which could indicate an underlying issue.
At Central Optometry, our team can assess your symptoms and provide tailored treatment options, including prescription antibiotic ointments, steroid injections to reduce swelling, or minor procedures to drain persistent styes.
Protect Your Eye Health with Central Optometry
Although styes are usually harmless, they can be painful and persistent. Practicing good eye hygiene and avoiding direct contact with an active infection can reduce the risk of developing a stye. If you have a stye that isn’t improving, don’t wait—book an appointment with Central Optometry. Our experienced optometrists provide comprehensive care to keep your eyes healthy and comfortable.
If you’re dealing with a persistent or painful stye, contact Central Optometry today to schedule an eye exam and get the care you need. Visit our website or call our clinic to book your appointment now.
