Topic Overview
Insert eye ointment (if prescribed) as follows:
- For older children and adults, pull the lower
eyelid down with one or two fingers to create a pouch. Put the ointment in the
pouch. Close the eye for 30 to 60 seconds to let the ointment
absorb.
- For younger children, ask the child to lie down with eyes
closed. Pull the lower eyelid out to create a pouch. Put the ointment in the
pouch. With the eyes closed, ask the child to move his or her eyeball from side
to side to move the ointment around the eye.
Take the following safety precautions when using eye
ointment:
- Wash your
hands well before and after inserting the ointment. If possible, wear disposable gloves when you insert ointment into someone else's eyes.
- Be sure the tube
tip is clean and does not touch the eye, eyelid, or any surface.
- If
the tube tip touches the eye or the area around the eye, call your pharmacy and
arrange to get another tube of eye ointment.
The method for inserting eye ointment is slightly different
than for inserting eyedrops.
Credits
| By | Healthwise Staff |
|---|
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine |
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| Primary Medical Reviewer | Martin J. Gabica, MD - Family Medicine |
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| Specialist Medical Reviewer | Christopher J. Rudnisky, MD, MPH, FRCSC - Ophthalmology |
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| Last Revised | January 25, 2013 |
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