How to use an eye ointment*
If you wear glasses or contact lenses, remove them.
Warm the ointment tube in your hand for a few minutes. This will make the ointment flow better and more comfortable to apply.
Wash your hands well with soap and water for at least 30 seconds to remove any bacteria that may be on your hands.
Open the ointment tube. Do not touch anything with the tip of the tube. Many tubes have a metal skin on the opening that must be pierced using the spike on the lid of the tube. When the tube is opened for the first time, the first 0.25 cm (0.1 inch) of ointment should be thrown away, as it may have become too dry.
Lie down or tilt your head back.
With eyes open, pull the lower lid down to form a pouch.
Hold the ointment tube nearly horizontally and bring it towards your eye from the side until the tube is about 2.5 cm (1 inch) away from your eye. Look at the ceiling by moving your eyes but not your head.
Apply a ribbon of ointment along the lower lid. The ribbon should be about 1 cm (0.4 inches) long. Avoid touching the tip of the ointment tube to any surface, including your eyelids, lashes, or fingers. You do not need to apply the ointment all of the way across the lower lid. Follow your doctor’s or pharmacist’s instructions.
Twist your wrist to break off the ribbon of ointment from the tube.
Gently release the lower lid.
Close the eyes gently for 1 to 2 minutes. Roll eyeball in all directions so that the ointment coats the eye.
If you are taking more than one ointment, wait about 10 minutes between applications. If you are using both eye drops and ointment, use the drops first, wait 5 minutes, then apply the ointment.
Use a clean, soft tissue to wipe away any excess ointment from around your eye.
Use another tissue to wipe the cap of the ointment tube.
Tightly replace the cap on the ointment tube to prevent it from drying out.
Wash your hands thoroughly.
Your vision may be blurred for a few minutes after you use the eye ointment. Do not drive or operate machinery until your vision has returned to normal.
*Different medications come as eye ointments. This information is intended to provide general instructions for the use of an eye ointment. Instructions may vary for different products. If these instructions are different from those given by your doctor or pharmacist, check with your doctor or pharmacist to confirm how you should be using the product. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for specific information about your particular medication.
