Applying eye ointment

Eye ointments have a gel-like texture at room temperature but become oily at body temperature. If you hold the ointment tube in your hand for 1 or 2 minutes, the ointment will soften and become easier to apply. To apply eye ointment, follow these steps:

• Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water and clean the skin around the eyes.
• If you have balance problems, sit or lie down before applying the ointment.
• Tilt your head backwards.
• Place a finger just under your eye and gently pull down the lower eyelid to form a V-shaped pouch. or With your thumb and index finger, gently pull the lower eyelid to form a small pouch.

• Looking upward, squeeze about 1cm long of ointment on your eyeball. Try not to blink. Note: Do not let the applicator tip touch the eye or eyelid, to avoid injuring yourself or contaminating the ointment.

• Close your eye.
• While keeping your eyelid closed, roll your eye in all directions for a few seconds.
• Keep your eye closed for 1 to 2 minutes.

Your vision may be blurred for a few minutes.

If you wear contact lenses, remove them before applying the ointment. Ask whether it's okay to put them back in afterwards.

Do not keep opened tubes of ointment for long periods of time and do not rely on the manufacturer's expiration date on the container; the date is valid only if the tube has not been opened. Always check with your pharmacist to know how long your ointment is good for.