Yes, a stye can appear in both eyes, although it usually affects only one eye at a time. The stye itself is a localized infection, but bacteria from drainage can be transferred when you touch the affected eyelid and then the other eye. Washing your hands, using a clean compress for each eye, and avoiding shared towels or makeup can lower the chance of spreading bacteria.
Having a stye in one eye does not mean the other eye will develop one. However, because styes are often caused by bacteria, careful hygiene around the eyes is important while the affected eyelid heals. Understanding how bacteria can transfer, which habits to avoid, and when to seek medical attention can help you protect both eyes.
How can a stye reach the other eye?
A stye is a small, often painful lump that forms near the eyelashes or inside the eyelid when a small gland or hair follicle becomes infected. According to Mayo Clinic, styes are commonly caused by bacteria, including Staphylococcus bacteria, that infect glands around the eyelid.
Bacteria can be transferred from the affected eyelid to the other eye through contaminated fingers, washcloths, towels, or eye makeup. For example, touching a stye and then rubbing the opposite eye without washing your hands may transfer bacteria to the other eyelid. This does not mean a second stye will necessarily develop, but avoiding unnecessary contact helps reduce the chance of spreading bacteria.
Can you have styes in both eyes at the same time?
Yes. Although a stye usually affects one eye, more than one stye can develop at the same time, including on both eyes. The NHS confirms that it is possible to have styes affecting both eyes.
Styes in both eyes do not automatically mean that an infection has spread from one eye to the other. Separate eyelid glands may become affected, and recurring eyelid inflammation can contribute to repeated problems. If both eyes develop swelling, redness, or discomfort, a healthcare professional can examine them to determine whether the symptoms are caused by styes or another eye condition.
How can you prevent a stye from spreading?
Simple hygiene practices can help limit the transfer of bacteria while a stye is present. The goal is to avoid contaminating the other eye and to prevent further irritation of the affected eyelid.
- Wash your hands frequently. Clean your hands with soap and water before and after touching the area around your eyes or applying an eye product.
- Avoid rubbing your eyes. Rubbing can irritate the eyelids and transfer bacteria between your fingers and the eye area.
- Use a clean compress. Use a fresh, clean washcloth when applying a warm compress. If treating both eyes, use a separate clean cloth for each eye.
- Do not share towels or eye products. Keep your washcloths, towels, eye makeup, and other items that touch the eye area personal.
- Pause eye makeup. Avoid applying eyeliner, mascara, or other eye cosmetics until the stye has healed.
- Take a break from contact lenses. Avoid wearing contact lenses in the affected eye while the stye is present, and follow advice from an eye care professional about when it is safe to resume use.
The Cleveland Clinic explains that a stye is not usually contagious in the same way as some other eye infections, but bacteria in drainage may still spread. Washing your hands and avoiding shared towels are sensible precautions, even if the stye appears small.
What should you do if you already have a stye?
A clean, warm compress can help a stye drain naturally and ease discomfort. The Mayo Clinic treatment guidance recommends placing a warm, clean washcloth over the closed eyelid for 5 to 10 minutes, repeating this two or three times daily. The compress should be comfortably warm rather than hot.
Do not squeeze, puncture, or try to pop the stye. Doing so can worsen irritation and may spread infection into nearby tissues. Keep the eyelid clean, avoid eye makeup while the area heals, and do not use leftover antibiotic eye drops or ointments unless a healthcare professional advises you to do so.
Many styes improve without specific treatment. However, if the lump is not improving after about 48 hours, becomes increasingly painful, or keeps returning, arrange an assessment with a healthcare professional or eye care specialist. They can determine whether additional treatment is appropriate.
When should you seek medical attention?
New symptoms in the other eye are not always caused by a spreading stye. Redness, swelling, or discharge may have other causes, so a professional examination is useful when the symptoms are unusual or worsening.
Seek prompt medical advice if the eyelid becomes very painful or swollen, redness or swelling spreads across the eyelid or into the surrounding face, pus increases, or the eye itself becomes increasingly red. Get urgent medical assessment if you experience changes in vision or significant pain when moving the eye. These symptoms may require evaluation for an infection or another eye problem rather than routine stye care. The MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia also advises medical attention for vision problems, worsening eyelid bumps, and redness involving the whole eyelid or eye.
Can you prevent future styes in either eye?
Regular eyelid hygiene can help reduce avoidable sources of irritation and bacterial transfer. Remove eye makeup before sleeping, clean contact lenses as directed, avoid sharing eye cosmetics, and wash your hands before handling anything that touches your eyes. Replace old or expired eye makeup, and avoid using products that irritate your eyelids.
If styes repeatedly develop in either eye, ask an eye care professional whether an ongoing eyelid condition, such as blepharitis, may be contributing. Treating an underlying eyelid problem may help reduce recurrence. The most important point is that a stye in one eye does not guarantee that the other will become affected; consistent hygiene and appropriate care can help protect both eyes while the eyelid heals.