{"id":632632,"date":"2025-06-24T15:46:30","date_gmt":"2025-06-24T19:46:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=632632"},"modified":"2026-01-28T15:43:41","modified_gmt":"2026-01-28T20:43:41","slug":"best-eye-drops-for-stye","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/best-eye-drops-for-stye\/","title":{"rendered":"Best eye drops for styes: OTC and prescription options"},"content":{"rendered":"

We use our eyes constantly, so when you have an eye health issue, it\u2019s hard to ignore, especially if it\u2019s an inflamed, itchy bump on the eyelid. These are called styes. They often stem from infected oil glands on the eyelid\u2019s edge, and they can be pretty uncomfortable. Fortunately, there are plenty of eye care treatments to help relieve styes, including over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription eye drops or ointments. But which ones are best for your situation? Read on for an overview of several reliable options.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

What are the best eye drops for stye treatment?<\/span><\/h2>\n

Eye drops are a common option for stye relief, as well as for similar conditions like a chalazion, which forms on the inside of the eyelid instead of the outside. There are three main types: OTC stye eye drops available at local pharmacies, antibiotic eye drops, and steroid eye drops. Which one is best for your particular case? Your healthcare provider will make the call.<\/span><\/p>\n

Over-the-counter eye drops<\/span><\/h3>\n

It\u2019s important to note that OTC, lubricating eye drops like <\/span>Systane<\/span><\/a> don\u2019t directly treat infections. Rather, they moisturize the eye, which is why they\u2019re commonly used for dry eye relief. However, they can <\/span>potentially relieve irritation and itching<\/span><\/a> as well. That said, this is often enough for most people as they ride it out until their stye goes away. Plus, OTC eye drops don\u2019t require a prescription.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI have my patients use artificial tears before and after the warm compress to keep the eyes lubricated and clear any oil that is naturally draining,\u201d Dr. Boparai says.<\/span><\/p>\n\t\t

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Save up to 80% on Systane with SingleCare<\/p>\n\t\t\t

Different pharmacies offer different prices for the same medication. SingleCare helps find the best price for you.<\/p>\n\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\tSystane 0.4-0.3% (1 Bottle)\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t23602 - Newport News, VA\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\"Costco\"\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t$12.95\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\ti<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\tPrice with signup<\/a>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\tGet free coupon<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\"Kroger\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t$14.08\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\ti<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\tPrice with signup<\/a>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\tGet free coupon<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\tSee Systane prices at all pharmacies<\/a>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\n

Antibiotic eye drops<\/span><\/h3>\n

Antibiotic eye drops (or ointments), on the other hand, target the infection behind the stye. These don\u2019t always work better than simple home treatments and OTC options, but they may for certain people. Common antibiotics prescribed for severe or persistent styes include <\/span>erythromycin<\/span><\/a> or, sometimes, fluoroquinolone medications like <\/span>ciprofloxacin<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

Steroid eye drops<\/span><\/h3>\n

Steroids like prednisone aren\u2019t a common stye treatment, but some healthcare providers might prescribe them for particularly severe or stubborn cases. They\u2019re powerful anti-inflammatory medications, so they can help reduce the swelling associated with styes, but like OTC eye drops, they don\u2019t address the underlying infection. However, it\u2019s important to only use them under the direction of a healthcare provider, since long-term use may lead to complications like <\/span>glaucoma<\/span><\/a>, cataracts, and serious eye infections.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
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Compare the best eye drops for styes<\/span><\/h2>\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n

Name<\/b><\/td>\nType of treatment<\/b><\/td>\nSingleCare cost<\/b><\/td>\nSavings options<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Erythromycin<\/b><\/td>\nPrescription antibiotic<\/span><\/td>\n$13 for 1, 3.5 gm of 5mg\/gm tube at Kroger<\/span><\/td>\nGet coupon<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Cipro (ciprofloxacin)<\/b><\/td>\nPrescription antibiotic<\/span><\/td>\n$7 for 14, 500 mg tablets at Walmart<\/span><\/td>\nGet coupon<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Polysporin (bacitracin\/ polymyxin B)<\/b><\/td>\nNon-prescription antibiotic<\/span><\/td>\n$12 for 1, 3.5 gm of 500-10,000 unit\/gm tube of ophthalmic ointment at Costco<\/span><\/td>\nGet coupon<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Systane<\/b><\/td>\nOTC eye drops<\/span><\/td>\n$12 for 1, 15 mL of 0.4-0.3% bottle at Costco<\/span><\/td>\nGet coupon<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Refresh Tears<\/b><\/td>\nOTC eye drops<\/span><\/td>\n$14 for 1, 15 mL of 0.5% bottle at Kroger<\/span><\/td>\nGet coupon<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Blink Tears\u00a0<\/b><\/td>\nOTC eye drops<\/span><\/td>\n$11 for 1, 15 mL of 0.25% bottle at Kroger<\/span><\/td>\nGet coupon<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Prescription drug prices often change. These are the most accurate medication prices at the time of publishing in ZIP code 23666 as of Jan. 28, 2026. The listed price without insurance references the price of brand-name drugs (unless otherwise specified). The listed SingleCare price references the price of generic drugs if available.<\/span><\/i><\/small><\/small><\/p>\n

Stye symptoms: How to know whether you have a stye<\/span><\/h2>\n

Our eyelids contain a handful of tiny oil glands called meibomian glands, which produce an oily film that keeps the eye lubricated. When one of these glands gets blocked because of something like chronic dry eye, <\/span>blepharitis<\/span><\/a>, or contact lens irritation, a bacterial infection can occur. This may cause an eyelid bump similar to a pimple: a stye. Also known as hordeolum, styes can cause a range of symptoms.<\/span><\/p>\n

Besides the physical bump, <\/span>symptoms of a stye<\/span><\/a> may include:<\/span><\/p>\n