Wed, 06 May 2026 01:23:56 +0000

Don’t Risk It: Styes Are Contagious and Harmful—What Every Eye Should Know Now If you’ve ever experienced a painful, red bump on your eyelid, you may have dealt with a stye—a common, but often underestimated, eye infection. Many people assume styes are just a minor annoyance, but understanding their contagious nature and potential complications is essential for protecting your eye health and preventing spread. ### What Is a Stye? A stye (or hordeolum) is a localized infection of an eyelid gland, usually caused by bacteria—most commonly Staphylococcus aureus. It results in a tender, red, swollen bump near the edge of your eyelid. While styes aren’t typically serious, they can become painful and may impact vision, comfort, and eye function if left untreated.