There are several types of specific ophthalmic ointments to treat various pathologies. The feature that unites them? Ease of use. Antibiotic ointments and medications designed for dry eye should be applied to the inside of the lower eyelid. If you suffer from eczema in the eyelid area, it may be necessary to apply a specific ointment to the skin around the eyes, which is notoriously sensitive. Remember to wash your hands before and after applying any type of ointment. In the event that you have contracted an eye disease, contact your ophthalmologist to diagnose it and initiate appropriate treatment.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Apply the Ointment to the Inside of the Lower Lid
Step 1. Wash your hands before and after applying the ointment
Before opening and applying the product, wash your hands for 30 seconds with warm soapy water. Also, repeat the wash after the procedure is done, regardless of whether you applied it in your own eyes or someone else's.
If you need to treat an eye infection, washing your hands will help you avoid spreading it. In any case, your hands should always be washed before touching your eyes, even when you don't have any infections. This way you will avoid contaminating them with germs and bacteria
Step 2. Heat the tube with one hand and remove the cap
Grab the ointment tube with one hand and squeeze it for a few seconds to warm it up. This will make it easier to scroll. Then, remove the cap from the tube and place it sideways on a clean surface.
This way the cap will not fall to the ground and will not get lost. We recommend placing it on a clean handkerchief
Step 3. Press your thumb on the skin underneath the lower eyelid
Tilt your head back or, if you need to apply the ointment in someone else's eyes, ask them to do so. Place a finger on your eyebrow, while using your thumb to carefully press the skin under the lower eyelid. Using gentle pressure, pull the skin down to expose the pocket between the eye and the lower lid.
The pocket is the pink (or red, in case you are treating an infection) area that surrounds the pupil
Step 4. Apply a thin strip of ointment between the eye and the lower lid
Keep the tip of the tube about 3 cm away from the eye. Starting from the inner corner (the one next to the nose), squeeze a strip of ointment about 8mm thick (or the recommended amount) along the space between the eye and the lower lid. If necessary, repeat the procedure on the other eye.
- Once the ointment is applied, rotate the tube. This will help you detach the product strip from the bottle tip.
- Applying a thin strip on the inside of the lower lid is a general guideline for making a rough calculation of the dose to use. The recommended dosage may indeed change based on various factors. If your eye doctor or pharmacist recommends another one, follow their instructions.
Step 5. Put the cap back on the tube and keep your eyes closed for 2 minutes
After applying the ointment, close your eyes and remove excess product with a clean handkerchief. If necessary, also wipe excess ointment off the tip of the bottle with another tissue (not the one you used for your eyes). Close the bottle immediately and do not let the tip touch other surfaces beyond the handkerchief.
- If you have to apply the ointment in your eyes, you may have a hard time seeing what you are doing. Ask someone to help you, or close the tube only once you can open your eyes again. It is important to avoid that the tip of the bottle touches other surfaces besides that of the tissue.
- Remember to wash your hands after application.
- Apply the ointment as often as recommended by your eye doctor or pharmacist.
Step 6. Try to relax and ask for help if you can't stop blinking
If you can't control the movement of your eyelids, it may be difficult to apply the ointment inside them. Try to keep them open with the help of your thumb and forefinger. If this fails, ask someone to help you hold them open and apply the ointment.
- It can be difficult to avoid blinking when the tube is close to the eye and there is a strange sensation from the ointment. Try to relax and remember that it will help you get better.
- Applying ointment correctly is a little easier than applying eye drops, which tend to go away quickly when the eyelids are blinked repeatedly.
Step 7. If you need to apply the ointment in a child's eyes, wrap them with a blanket
You may have some difficulty with a baby, as they are likely to blink. To make the procedure easier, wrap it with a blanket so that you can keep your arms still gently.
If possible, ask someone to hold the baby still while you apply the ointment
Method 2 of 3: Apply the Ointment to the Mobile Eyelids
Step 1. Wash your hands when you need to use an ointment, before application and after
Since you will apply it with your fingers, it is essential to have clean hands. Wash them well with warm soapy water before touching your eyes, then wash them again after the procedure is complete to remove any product residue.
Hands should be cleaned before touching irritated skin to prevent possible infections
Step 2. Use a very small amount, so that only a thin layer is created on the affected area
Remove the cap from the tube, then place it on a stable, clean surface, such as a tissue. Squeeze a tiny amount of the ointment onto your fingertip and gently massage it into the affected area. Use enough to create a thin layer on the skin, then massage it until completely absorbed.
- Try not to get it in the eye.
- The ointment should only be applied to dry skin. Do not use it on areas that are not affected by the disorder.
Step 3. Do not bathe or swim immediately after applying the ointment
Don't wash your face, shower, or go swimming for at least 30 minutes. Exposing the affected area to water immediately after applying the ointment may remove the product before it even begins to take effect.
Step 4. Avoid direct sunlight, lamps and other sources of UV rays
Wear sunglasses before going out, even hours after application. Ointments used to treat ailments such as eyelid dermatitis can cause photosensitivity.
Try to keep the affected area out of direct sunlight for the duration of the treatment
Step 5. Do not use the ointment for more than 6 weeks
Apply it twice a day until the symptoms disappear completely or following the instructions of your dermatologist. Ointments prescribed for dermatitis should be used for less than 6 weeks. Do not prolong treatment without prior authorization from your dermatologist.
Method 3 of 3: Consult an Ophthalmologist
Step 1. Take a prescription antibiotic to treat infections
If you have symptoms associated with conjunctivitis, including itching, redness, discharge, and crusting, make an appointment with your eye doctor. He will prescribe antibiotic ointment or eye drops to treat the infection.
Step 2. Ask your eye doctor to help you choose a specific medicine to treat dry eyes
If you have this condition, they may prescribe an ointment or gel. These products are preferred to eye drops if the patient tends to suffer from dryness in the morning.
Sometimes the eyes open slightly during sleep, which can cause the eye drops to evaporate. Thicker ointments and gels can last all night without evaporating
Step 3. Ask your dermatologist if it is possible to treat eczema with a calcineurin inhibitor
Many ointments and creams specific to treat eczema cannot be applied to the face, as they can cause the skin to thin or irritate sensitive areas. Calcineurin inhibitors do not thin the skin, so they are often recommended to treat eczema affecting the eyelids or other areas with thin, sensitive skin.
Step 4. If you take other medications, share this information with your doctor
To avoid potentially harmful interactions, make a list of the medications you take regularly. Also, let them know if you take any herbs, supplements, alcohol or drugs.
Step 5. Do not stop taking an antibiotic without first talking to your doctor
Better to consult your eye doctor before you stop taking a drug. It is vital that you take antibiotics for the entire duration of the treatment indicated by your doctor.
Your doctor may ask you to stop using an ointment once the eczema has passed
Step 6. Call your doctor if any side effects or symptoms worsen
Adverse effects depend on the type of ointment used, but generally include burning, redness, pain and pigmentation changes. If symptoms persist or worsen, call your doctor to make another appointment.
