You may have more than one sty at a time or several in succession. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, sties are not very contagious. To minimize any risk of spreading this infection, however, encourage children to keep their hands away from their eyes and practice good hand washing techniques. Most sties are harmless to the eye and general sight. Does not disappear on its own Does not respond to self-care Screening and Diagnosis If the symptoms of a sty persist or successive infections have developed, your doctor may want to exclude other possible causes of the problem.
Some conditions exist that are similar to a sty, but require different treatment.
For instance a chalazion, which results from a blockage in one of the small glands in the eyelid, can produce a swelling similar to that of a sty. If your physician confirms you have a sty, he or she can prescribe treatment or recommend ways to relieve your pain or discomfort. If a sty is ruled out, your doctor may refer you to an ophthalmologist for further examination and treatment. An ophthalmologist is a medical doctor who can provide comprehensive eye and vision care. If a sty is confirmed, your doctor may prescribe a topical antibiotic cream to apply to your eyelid.