Can you catch stye eye

They are not contagious , as people cannot transmit them to one another. However, if the bacteria is on a pillowcase or towel and comes into direct contact with an eye, the person is at risk for developing a stye. This is very rare. Several factors can increase your risk of developing a stye :. People of all ages can get styes, including babies. Styes tend to be more common in children than in adults.

You are more likely to get a stye if you have had one before. A stye may appear similar to a pimple with a white head. If it ruptures, this head disappears and pus releases.

You may not notice when your stye ruptures. The swelling and redness may simply slowly dissipate. Never pop a stye. Popping a stye puts you at risk for infection. It can also significantly increase pain, swelling, and other symptoms. There are two types of styles: internal and external. The external type will usually rupture without intervention. An internal stye occurs inside the eyelid.

This type is considered more serious, and you could injure your eye if you try to pop it. In many cases, this type does not rupture on its own. A doctor can drain it, but you should not attempt this at home. If you experience an internal stye, you should see your doctor because it can be more serious than an external one. While it is not common, a stye may affect your vision. If it gets large enough, it could cause a minor vision obstruction.

Some people also report a degree of blurry vision in the affected eye. When issues with vision occur, seek medical attention promptly.

A doctor can drain the stye so it starts to heal faster. This will help to alleviate visual problems and other symptoms. This bump often feels swollen and painful to the touch. Though styes can happen to anyone, there are certain behaviors that increase your risk.

Styes are caused by infected oil glands in your eyelids. These oil glands prevent tears from evaporating too quickly and drying out your eyes, but these glands can also become infected with bacteria. If styes keep recurring, you might consider treating it with antibiotic ointment, eye drops, pills, or even a steroid injection, according to the Cleveland Clinic. While styes will typically clear up on their own, Singh notes that you should see a doctor if your stye causes vision problems.

Article originally appeared in Business Insider Singapore. By MK Manoylov. A stye is a swollen, painful red bump on your eyelid. A chalazion occurs inside the eyelid. Related Pages. Jee, K. External Hordeolum Stye. Encyclopedia of Ophthalmology, Hordeolum: Acute abscess within an eyelid sebaceous gland. Cleveland Clinic Journal of Medicine, 83 5 , Roy and Fraunfelder's Current Ocular Therapy, In: StatPearls. Melody Huang, O.

Melody Huang is an optometrist and freelance health writer. Through her writing, Dr. Huang enjoys educating patients on how to lead healthier and happier lives. She also has an interest in Eastern medicine practices and learning about integrative medicine. Huang loves reviewing new skin care products, trying interesting food recipes, or hanging with her adopted cats.

Michael Bayba earned his B. Upon graduating, he began researching, writing, and editing full-time. His passion for promoting health and healing in communities around the world has led him to create evidence-based and research-backed content on vision and other health topics.

His mission is to help individuals find quality and affordable treatment so they can live a healthy life. Medical reviewer: Dr. The information provided on VisionCenter. All about Vision Center Menu. Other Links Menu. About Us Privacy Policy.