Mastering the Art of Using Eye Drops and Ointments

Tips and Techniques for Using Eye Drops and Eye Ointments

• Soft contact lenses should not be worn while using eye drops to prevent potential harm to the eye.
• Children and babies may resist eye drops, but wrapping them tightly or demonstrating on a favorite toy can help.
• Single-use, preservative-free eye drops are available for patients allergic to preservatives in multi-dose preparations.
• Compliance aids, such as Opticare eye drop dispensers, make instilling eye drops easier for patients with impaired manual dexterity.
• The procedure for using eye ointment is similar to eye drops, but transient blurred vision may occur.
• Eye ointment is commonly used in the evening or at night when blurred vision is less inconvenient.
• The application of eye ointment involves gently squeezing the tube and placing about 1 cm of ointment into the pocket formed between the lower eyelid and the eye.
• Excess ointment should be wiped away using a clean tissue, and the tube cap should be replaced.
• To improve the flow of eye ointment, warm the container in the hands prior to use.
• If using both eye drops and eye ointment, use the drops first and wait 5 minutes before using the ointment.
• If using two types of eye ointment, apply the first, then wait 10 minutes before applying the second.
• The tip of the ointment tube should not come in contact with the eye, eyelashes, or any other surface. Contact lenses are not recommended when using eye ointment.