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Ophthalmic ointment is a sterile medicine or lubricant made for use in or around the eye. It has a thicker texture than eye drops and stays on the eye surface longer. Eye ointments can contain antibiotics, antivirals, steroids, anti-inflammatory medicines, or lubricating ingredients. Only products labeled for ophthalmic use should be placed in the eye.
read more about ophthalmic ointment ...Ophthalmic ointment coats the eye surface and releases its ingredient slowly. This longer contact time can be helpful when a medicine needs to stay on the eye or when dryness is worse overnight. Because ointment is thick, it can temporarily blur vision after application. Patients are commonly told to use ointment at bedtime when blurry vision would be less disruptive.
Eye doctors can prescribe ophthalmic ointment for bacterial eye infections, eyelid infections, corneal problems, inflammation, or dry eye protection. Lubricating ointments can also be used for exposure-related dryness or nighttime dryness. Antibiotic ointments are used only when bacterial infection prevention or treatment is needed. The right ointment depends on the diagnosis and the eye doctor's instructions.
Wash your hands first and avoid touching the tube tip to the eye, eyelid, lashes, or skin. Gently pull down the lower eyelid and place a thin ribbon of ointment inside the lower eyelid pocket. Close the eye gently for a short time so the ointment can spread. Wipe away extra ointment from the skin with clean tissue if needed.
Ophthalmic ointment can cause temporary blur, mild irritation, or a greasy feeling. Do not use skin ointments, general antibiotic ointments, or expired products in the eye unless the label and clinician specifically direct ophthalmic use. Sharing ointment can spread infection, and a contaminated tube can reintroduce germs. Call an eye doctor for worsening redness, pain, swelling, discharge, or vision changes.
Ophthalmic ointment is thicker than eye drops and coats the eye surface. That coating can temporarily blur vision until it spreads or clears.
No, regular skin ointment should not be placed in the eye. Use only products labeled for ophthalmic use or prescribed for the eye.
Eye drops are commonly used before ointment because ointment can block drops from spreading well. Follow the order and timing given by the prescriber.
Contact lenses should be removed before ointment use because ointment can coat the lens and trap medicine or debris. Ask an eye doctor when it is safe to wear lenses again.
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