Eye ointment: Advantages and correct application

The typical symptoms of dry eyes such as itching, burning and redness of the eyes can be well treated with an eye ointment. During the day, lubricating eye drops relieve the unpleasant symptoms; at night, eye ointments prevent the eyes from drying out and the possible adhesion of the inside of the eyelid to the surface of the eye. This is because during the sleep phase, lasting several hours, it is not possible to keep adding eye drops. An eye ointment, on the other hand, adheres to the eye longer due to its high viscosity.

Eye ointments with these active ingredients are suitable for relieving dry eyes:

• Heparin: Eye ointments with heparin support the tear film and lubricate the surface of the eye.
• Vitamin A: Vitamin A is a natural component of the tear film. As an active ingredient in eye ointments, it can have a positive effect on the conjunctiva and cornea.

Eye ointments for the treatment of dry eyes are available over the counter at any pharmacy. When buying, make sure that they do not contain any preservatives or phosphates. However, before using eye ointments, you should have your symptoms examined by an eye specialist to rule out possible inflammation or another eye disease.

A doctor can prescribe eye ointments with cortisone to treat an allergy. However, they should only be used exactly as instructed and not over a long period of time.

The eye ointment is spread into the conjunctival sac between the inside of the lower eyelid and the eyeball. Observe the following instructions:

• Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before applying the eye ointment.
• Unscrew the protective cap.
• Sit down and tilt your head back slightly. You can also lie down or stand in front of a mirror. 
• Look up and pull the lower eyelid downwards with one finger.
• Put a strip of the eye ointment into the conjunctival sac. Read the package leaflet in advance to find out how much ointment you should use. Usually the recommendation is a strip about 0.5 cm long. Start at the inner corner of your eye and apply the ointment towards the outer corner. Do not touch your eye, skin or eyelid with the applicator tip to avoid contamination.
• Slowly close your eyelids. This distributes the ointment better on the surface of the eye.
• If you cannot apply the eye ointment to the eye yourself, ask someone else to help you.

It is best to apply the ointment before going to bed so that it can take full effect overnight. Furthermore, the consistency of the eye ointment causes a restriction of vision that would interfere with everyday life during the day. Some eye ointments can also be applied to the eyelid to relieve redness or irritation of the sensitive skin, for example.

Make absolutely sure that the applicator tip of the product does not come into contact with your eye. This could lead to injuries to the conjunctiva and cornea on the one hand, and on the other hand, viruses or bacteria could get into the eye ointment and cause an infection. 

If you use eye drops as well, they should be instilled into the eye first. Then wait 15 to 30 minutes, depending on the product, before applying the eye ointment. Should you wish to apply another eye ointment, the interval between the two applications should be at least one hour. If your eye specialist has not given you any instructions, you will find information in the package leaflet.