Stye

Styes themselves aren’t usually contagious, but the bacteria that cause them can spread. If someone with a stye shares towels, pillowcases or face cloths, it’s possible to pass the bacteria on. Wash anything that’s come into contact with the eye, and always clean your hands before touching your face.

Most eye styes clear up without treatment and aren’t a sign of anything serious. They can be sore and look unpleasant, but they usually heal in a week or two. If you’re getting them a lot, they’re very painful, or they start affecting your vision, speak to an optometrist. 

Book an appointment

No. Never squeeze or pop a stye, as this can spread the infection or make it worse. It’s best to let it drain on its own. If it bursts naturally, clean the area gently using cooled, freshly boiled water and a clean cloth. If it doesn’t improve after a couple of weeks, see an optometrist.

It’s best not to wear contact lenses while you have a stye. They can increase irritation and slow down healing. Switch to glasses until the stye has fully cleared. Make sure your lenses, case and hands are clean every time you handle them. 

Learn more about contact lens hygiene

A red, swollen eyelid with a painful lump is often a sign of a stye. The swelling comes from the body’s response to a blocked or infected gland. If your eyelid is swollen but there’s no lump or pain, it could be something else, like a chalazion or blepharitis. 

Learn more about puffy eyes

Most styes are caused by a bacterial infection in an eyelash follicle or oil gland. Poor eyelid hygiene, blocked glands, blepharitis, and skin conditions like rosacea can all increase the risk.

There’s no direct link between stress and styes, but stress can affect how well your immune system works. That might make you more likely to develop things like styes if bacteria get into your eye.

A stye should go away on its own in a week or two. Warm compresses can help it heal faster. If it’s still there after two weeks, or gets worse, speak to your optician for advice or treatment. 

Book an appointment

A stye is usually painful and caused by infection. A chalazion is a firm lump caused by a blocked oil gland, and often isn’t sore. Chalazia take longer to go away and may need treatment if they don’t shrink on their own. 

Eye drops aren’t usually needed for styes. A warm compress is the best first step. If you’re prescribed antibiotic eye drops or ointment, use them exactly as directed.