How to Use Eye Ointment

It is important to understand and follow your health care provider's directions so that you can use eye ointment safely and correctly.

• If the health care provider also prescribed eyedrops, give the eyedrops before you give the ointment. Wait a few minutes before using the ointment.

• Read the label before giving your child ointment and be sure it is labeled for ophthalmic (eye) use.

• Apply the ointment as often as directed by your health care provider. To apply it:

  • Wash your hands with soap and water. Dry with a clean towel.

  • Have your child lie down on his or her back.

  • If your child's eyes are crusty, wipe them first with a wet, warm (NOT hot) washcloth or cotton ball.

    1. Start at the corner of the eye that is near the nose, and then move out toward the ear.

    2. Use a separate washcloth or cotton ball for each eye.

    3. If you have trouble removing the crust, leave the wet washcloth or cotton ball on the closed eye for a couple of minutes before wiping.

  • If your child needs help staying still, have someone help you. If you are alone, the following steps can help your child stay still:

    1. Sit on the floor with your legs spread out.

    2. Put your child face up between your thighs with his or her legs pointing away from you.

    3. Put your child's arms under your thighs.

  • Remove the cap from the ointment tube.

  • Ask your child to look up (toward the top of the head).

  • To keep your hand steady, rest your wrist lightly on your child's face.

  • Hold the tube above the eye.

  • Do not let the tip of the tube touch your child's eye or eyelid, your hands, or anything else.

  • Gently pull down your child's lower eyelid.

  • Squeeze the tube to apply a thin line of ointment to the inside (pink part) of the lower eyelid. Start near the nose and move out toward the ear. Usually a ½-inch (1-centimeter) line of ointment is enough (unless your health care provider recommends otherwise).

  • Let go of your child's eyelid. If possible, have your child close or blink the eyes for about a minute. This spreads the ointment around the eye.

  • Your child should NOT squeeze the eye shut. This can push the ointment out of the eye.

  • Your child's vision may be blurry for a few minutes. Let your child know that this is normal and will get better as the ointment melts.

  • Wipe away any excess ointment from the eyelids and eyelashes with a clean tissue. Use a different tissue for each eye.

  • Put the cap on the tube.

  • Wash your hands again.

  • Safely store the medicine out of the reach of children.

• You have trouble giving your child the ointment.

• Your child:

• • develops a fever, new or more swelling, or redness or tenderness in the eyelids or around the eye

  • has burning or itching after getting the ointment

  • gets a rash around the eye

  • has eye pain

  • doesn't start to feel better after you have followed the health care provider's instructions