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Lubricating ointment is a thick ophthalmic product used to protect and moisturize the eye surface. It is made for dry eye, exposure-related dryness, or nighttime eye surface protection. Because it stays on the eye longer than thinner drops, it can give longer-lasting lubrication. Only products labeled for ophthalmic use should be placed in the eye.
read more about lubricating ointment ...Lubricating ointment coats the cornea and conjunctiva with a protective layer. This layer helps reduce friction from blinking and slows moisture loss from the eye surface. The thicker texture can be helpful when dryness is worse during sleep or when the eyelids do not close fully. The same thickness can temporarily blur vision.
Lubricating ointment is commonly used for moderate to severe dry eye, nighttime dryness, exposure keratopathy, and irritation from incomplete eyelid closure. It can also be used after certain eye procedures when an eye doctor recommends extra surface protection. Some patients use it at bedtime because daytime blur can be inconvenient. It should not replace medical care for eye pain, infection, injury, or sudden vision changes.
Artificial tears are thinner and easier to use during the day. Lubricating ointment is thicker and can stay on the eye longer. Drops can be better when clear vision is needed soon after application, while ointment can work better for overnight protection. Some dry eye plans use both, with spacing based on the clinician's instructions.
Wash your hands first and avoid touching the tube tip to the eye, eyelids, lashes, or skin. Pull down the lower eyelid and place a small ribbon of ointment inside the lower eyelid pocket. Close the eye gently so the ointment can spread. Throw away the product if it becomes contaminated, changes appearance, or reaches its expiration date.
Lubricating ointment is thick and coats the eye surface. That protective layer can blur vision until it spreads or clears.
Some patients use lubricating ointment nightly for dry eye or exposure protection. Follow the label or the eye doctor's directions, especially if symptoms are persistent.
No, contact lenses should be removed before using lubricating ointment. Ointment can coat the lens and trap residue against the eye.
No, lubricating ointment moisturizes and protects the eye surface. Antibiotic ointment contains medicine for bacterial infections and should be used only when prescribed or directed.
Dry Eyes - Diagnosis and Treatment. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/dry-eyes/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20371869. Date Accessed June 3, 2026.
Lubricating Eye Drops for Dry Eyes. American Academy of Ophthalmology. https://www.aao.org/eye-health/treatments/lubricating-eye-drops. Date Accessed June 3, 2026.
Dry Eye Syndrome. MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia. https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000426.htm. Date Accessed June 3, 2026.
Label: REFRESH P.M.- mineral oil, petrolatum ointment. DailyMed. https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=24365d64-cd94-41cc-a7e1-033102d98114. Date Accessed June 3, 2026.
Label: LUBRICANT EYE- mineral oil and petrolatum ointment. DailyMed. https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/lookup.cfm?setid=b086dc94-ff35-43c6-a5a0-8a25d6104d61. Date Accessed June 3, 2026.