Preparing for a Successful Application
Before you begin the process of applying ophthalmic ointment, proper preparation is essential to ensure hygiene and maximize the treatment's effectiveness. Contamination of the medication or your eye can lead to further infection, so never skip these preliminary steps.
Preliminary Steps:
- Wash Your Hands Thoroughly: Use soap and warm water to wash your hands for at least 30 seconds before and after applying the ointment. If you are treating an infection, this is crucial for preventing its spread.
- Prepare Your Environment: Find a comfortable position, either sitting or lying down, in a well-lit area. A mirror can be helpful, especially if you are applying the ointment to yourself.
- Read the Instructions: Always read the specific instructions on the medication's label or the information provided by your doctor or pharmacist. Some ointments may have specific storage or application requirements.
- Warm the Ointment: If the ointment is refrigerated or firm, holding the capped tube in your closed hand for a few seconds can warm it and make it flow more easily.
- Remove the Cap: Take the cap off the tube and place it on a clean tissue or surface, ensuring the tip does not touch anything.
The Step-by-Step Application Process
For most people, the standard technique of applying the ointment to the lower eyelid is the recommended method.
- Tilt Your Head Back: Tilt your head back slightly and look up at the ceiling. This helps position your eye for easier application and reduces the urge to blink.
- Pull Down Your Lower Lid: With the hand not holding the tube, gently pull down your lower eyelid to create a small pocket or pouch. Use your index finger, pressing on the skin just below the lashes.
- Position the Ointment Tube: Hold the tube with your other hand, bracing your fingers against your cheek or nose for stability. Position the tip of the tube as close to the pocket as possible without touching your eye, eyelid, or lashes.
- Squeeze the Ointment: Gently squeeze the tube to apply a thin strip of ointment, usually about 1 cm or 1/3 inch long, into the pocket. Some instructions may specify a different length. Twist the tube slightly to detach the ribbon of ointment.
- Release the Eyelid and Close Your Eye: Release the lower eyelid and gently close your eye for 1 to 2 minutes. Avoid blinking excessively, but a few gentle blinks can help spread the ointment.
- Wipe Excess: Use a clean tissue to wipe away any excess ointment from your eyelids and lashes. This is also the time to wipe the tip of the ointment tube before replacing the cap securely.
Eye Drops vs. Eye Ointments
For many eye conditions, your doctor may prescribe both drops and an ointment. It is important to understand the differences and proper sequencing.
| Feature | Eye Drops | Eye Ointments |
|---|---|---|
| Consistency | Liquid, watery | Thick, gel-like, and semi-solid |
| Absorption Time | Absorbed quickly | Stays in the eye longer, releasing medication over time |
| Vision Impact | Minimal to no vision blurriness | Causes temporary blurry vision, especially right after application |
| Typical Usage | Daytime application, often more frequent dosing | Primarily recommended for nighttime use to avoid blurry vision |
| Contact Lenses | Remove lenses before use, can be re-inserted after a waiting period (check package) | Do not wear contact lenses while using ointment |
If using both, apply eye drops first and wait at least 5 to 10 minutes before applying the ointment. This prevents the thicker ointment from acting as a barrier and blocking the absorption of the eye drops.
Troubleshooting and Expert Tips
If you find the process difficult, these tips can help make application easier and more effective:
- For difficulty holding the tube steady: Brace the hand holding the tube against your face (your cheek or nose) to stabilize it.
- For children or infants: Have them lie down or sit with their head tilted back. You can wrap infants in a blanket to keep their arms and legs still. Another option is placing the ointment in the inner corner of a closed eye, allowing it to melt in when the eye opens.
- If you cannot avoid blinking: Ask for assistance from another person who can help hold your eyelids open gently. Alternatively, for less precise application (not always suitable for deep medication), you can place a small amount on your clean finger and gently smear it across the eyelid margin.
- Preventing Waste: Applying too much ointment is unnecessary. A thin, rice-grain-sized strip is typically sufficient. Remember that some will be blinked out, but a properly applied dose will coat the eye effectively.
Conclusion
Applying ophthalmic ointment correctly is a straightforward but important procedure for treating a variety of eye conditions, from infections to severe dryness. By following the steps outlined here—starting with excellent hand hygiene and finishing with gentle eye closure—you can ensure the medication is delivered effectively and safely. While the temporary blurry vision may be an inconvenience, particularly with nighttime application, it is a small trade-off for the prolonged therapeutic benefits of the ointment. Always consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist if you have any questions or experience worsening symptoms.
Visit the Mayo Clinic for more information on ophthalmic medication administration.
