Manuel Sáenz, physician: "Styes are not transmitted from person to person, but there are some measures you should take into account."
Suffering from a stye is very common; the vast majority of people have experienced it at some point in their lives. Although it's not serious, it shouldn't be underestimated, both in terms of prevention and treatment , explained Manuel Sáenz de Viteri, an ophthalmologist at the University of Navarra Clinic (CUN), in an interview with the website 'CuídatePlus'.
A stye is an acute infection of the sebaceous gland that appears on the edge of the eyelid and is caused by bacteria. It also manifests as a painful, red bump that may be filled with pus and tender to the touch, according to the aforementioned site.
Although it presents with infectious components, specialist Sáenz explained that it is not a contagious disease, but it does require some care.
“It's not common for a stye to be transmitted from one person to another, but it is essential to maintain proper hygiene measures to prevent the inflammation from worsening ,” he argued.
Styes are caused by bacteria. Photo: iStock
To prevent infection and pain from increasing, the ophthalmologist recommends following these guidelines:
- Take extreme care when cleaning your eyelashes and eyelids.
- Avoid contact of dirty hands with eyes.
- Do not share personal hygiene items, such as towels or makeup.
One of the treatments Sáenz recommends for styes is the use of antibiotics and anti-inflammatories, which should always be prescribed by a doctor.
Additionally, it is recommended to apply dry heat to the eyelid for five minutes, morning and night, accompanied by a gentle massage.
"These treatments help the gland empty and significantly reduce discomfort ," he said.
Although a stye isn't serious, it can sometimes temporarily affect vision, so good hygiene is key.
"If the stye is large, it can put pressure on the cornea and cause temporary astigmatism. This causes the patient to see worse for a few days, but vision recovers completely once it resolves ," he emphasized.
To prevent this painful, red bump, people should practice good hygiene and avoid touching their eyes with dirty hands.
You should take extra care when cleaning your eyelashes and eyelids. Photo: iStock
“Proper hygiene habits, such as washing with warm water or using eyelid wipes, are the best way to reduce the risk of styes and prevent them from recurring frequently ,” he said.
Additionally, Sáenz warned that if the stye persists longer than expected and the pain isn't relieved with any medication, people should see a specialist to rule out any complications.
“In most cases, we're talking about a temporary problem, but that doesn't mean we should downplay it. Early diagnosis and proper hygiene measures can alleviate symptoms, prevent complications, and ensure long-term eye health ,” he stated.
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