A Complete Guide: What is the correct way to apply eye ointment?

October 11, 2025 •

4 min read

Minimizing contamination is crucial for effective ophthalmic medication. Learning what is the correct way to apply eye ointment ensures you prevent the introduction of new bacteria and maximize the medication's therapeutic benefits. A small amount of care can prevent complications and improve recovery time.

Quick Summary

This guide details the proper method for applying eye ointment, emphasizing preparation, precise application technique, and post-application care to ensure safe and effective use.

Key Points

Practice Strict Hygiene: Always wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water both before and after applying eye ointment to prevent contamination.
Avoid Contact: Never touch the tip of the ointment tube to your eye, eyelid, or any other surface to keep the medication sterile.
Create a Pocket: Gently pull down your lower eyelid to create a small pouch, and place the ointment ribbon inside this pocket.
Close Gently: After application, close your eyes gently for one to two minutes to allow the ointment to spread effectively.
Expect Blurred Vision: Be prepared for temporary blurred vision after applying ointment and avoid activities like driving until your sight is clear.
Follow Sequence for Combination Therapy: If using both eye drops and ointment, always apply the drops first, wait several minutes, and then apply the ointment.

Applying eye ointment correctly is essential for treating various conditions, from infections to dry eyes. A precise, sterile technique helps the medication work as intended and prevents further irritation or contamination. This step-by-step guide walks you through the entire process, highlighting crucial safety precautions.

Preparing for Eye Ointment Application

Proper preparation sets the stage for a safe and effective application. Gathering your supplies and ensuring a clean, calm environment can make the process much smoother.

Before you begin:

Wash your hands thoroughly: Use soap and water to scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds. This is the most critical step to prevent transferring germs to your eye.
Check the medication: Confirm that you have the correct ointment and that it is not expired.
Remove contacts: If you wear contact lenses, remove them before application unless your doctor has advised otherwise. Ointment can damage lenses and trap medication against the eye's surface, potentially causing irritation.
Warm the tube: Holding the ointment tube in your closed hand for a few minutes can warm the ointment, making it flow more easily.
Prepare the area: Find a comfortable, well-lit place to sit or lie down. Using a mirror can help you see what you are doing more clearly.
Do not touch the tip: Be careful not to let the tip of the ointment tube touch any surface, including your fingers, eyelids, or lashes. This keeps the medication sterile.

Step-by-Step Eye Ointment Application

Follow these steps for the correct application of eye ointment directly into the lower eyelid pocket.

Position your head: Tilt your head back slightly while looking up at the ceiling.
Create a pocket: With one hand, use your index finger to gently pull down your lower eyelid. This creates a small pouch or pocket between the eyelid and your eye.
Hold the tube: Hold the ointment tube with your other hand, bracing it against your face (e.g., cheek or nose) to keep it steady.
Apply the ointment: Bring the tip of the tube as close to the pocket as possible without touching it. Gently squeeze the tube to apply a thin ribbon of ointment, approximately 1 cm (1/3 to 1/2 inch) long, into the pocket.
Release and close: Release your lower eyelid and gently close your eye for one to two minutes. This allows the ointment to spread over the surface of the eye.
Avoid blinking or rubbing: Vigorous blinking or rubbing your eye can push the ointment out before it has fully coated the eye.
Wipe excess: Use a clean tissue to gently wipe away any excess ointment from your eyelids and lashes.

Aftercare and Important Reminders

Immediately following application, it's important to remember a few key things to ensure safety and effectiveness.

Aftercare procedures:

Expect blurred vision: Ointments can cause temporary blurry vision. Plan to apply the ointment when you will not need clear vision, such as just before bed. Do not drive or operate machinery until your vision clears.
Clean the tube tip: If the tip of the tube becomes soiled, wipe it with a clean tissue before replacing the cap.
Wash your hands again: After you have finished, wash your hands thoroughly to remove any ointment residue.

Comparison: Eye Ointment vs. Eye Drops

It's important to understand the differences in purpose and application when using both drops and ointment.


Feature	Eye Ointment	Eye Drops (Solutions)
Consistency	Thick, greasy	Thin, watery
Effectiveness	Prolonged contact, long-lasting effect	Shorter contact time, faster absorption
Vision Effect	Causes temporary blurred vision	Minimal to no effect on vision
Application Timing	Typically applied last if using both drops and ointment. Often used at bedtime.	Applied first if using both drops and ointment. Wait several minutes before applying ointment.
Primary Use	Treats dry eyes, infections, inflammation; provides a protective barrier.	Treats allergies, glaucoma, and infections with faster delivery.

Special Considerations for Children

Applying eye ointment to children may require a slightly different approach to ensure cooperation and safety. For younger children, wrapping them in a blanket or towel can help keep them still. Having them lie on their back with their head tilted can make application easier. Alternatively, you can place a small amount of ointment on a clean fingertip and apply it to the edge of the closed eyelid, letting the child's body heat and blinking spread the medicine.

Conclusion

By following these detailed steps, you can confidently apply eye ointment safely and effectively. The cornerstones of a successful application are proper hygiene, careful technique, and patience. Always adhere to your doctor's instructions, especially regarding dosage and frequency. If you have any concerns or experience persistent irritation, contact your healthcare provider. For further reference on safe medication practices, consult authoritative resources like the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists.

Frequently Asked Questions

Since eye ointment can cause temporary blurred vision, it is often best to apply it right before bedtime. This minimizes the inconvenience of blurry vision and allows the medication to work overnight.

If you are prescribed both eye drops and eye ointment, you should apply the eye drops first. Wait at least 5 to 10 minutes for the drops to absorb before applying the ointment.

If the tip of the tube touches your eye or any other surface, the medication could become contaminated. You should discard that tube and get a new, sterile one to prevent infection.

For children, have them lie down and tilt their head back. You can also place a small amount of ointment on a clean finger and wipe it along the edge of the closed eyelid. The child's blinking will help spread the medicine.

If you miss a dose, apply it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.

Unless your doctor specifies a different amount, a thin strip of ointment about 1 cm or 1/3 to 1/2 inch long is usually sufficient.

The duration of blurred vision can vary, but it usually lasts for a few minutes. Avoid activities that require clear vision until your sight returns to normal.

No, it is generally recommended to avoid wearing contact lenses while using eye ointment, as it can damage the lenses and cause irritation.