Applying Eye Ointment and Eye Drops
Applying Eye Ointment
Make sure you are using the correct ointment and that the tube is in date
Have clean tissues and mirror handy
Wash hands
Remove the cap
Tilt head back a little, bring down lower lid to form a pocket
Hold the tube upside down near your eye (don’t touch the eye or lashes with the tube), apply enough pressure to release a thin line of ointment along the inside of the eyelid. Close your eye for a minute or two, blink a few times to spread the ointment around inside your eye. Repeat the process in your other eye if both eyes are affected.
Replace the cap
Wash hands again after use
Eye ointments will blur the vision so do not drive until you can see clearly
Don’t use ointment when wearing contact lenses
Applying Eye Drops
Make sure you are using the correct drops and that they are in date
Have clean tissues and mirror handy
Wash hands
Remove the cap (or tip of unit if using single dose unit)
Tilt head back a little, bring down lower lid to form a pocket.
Hold the container upside down near your eye (don’t touch the eye or lashes with the container), apply enough pressure to release one drop into your eye. Close your eye for a minute or two. Press gently on the side of your nose where the eye corner meets your nose. This prevents the drops from draining away into your nose and keeps them in the eye for longer. Repeat the process in your other eye if both eyes are affected.
Replace the cap or throw away the single dose unit that you have been using.
Wash hands again after use
Don’t use eye drops with contact lenses, unless they are compatible such as lubricants
Getting the Most from your Treatment
Do not miss any doses
Use medication at the same time every day
Do not share towels or pillows if you have an eye infection
If your using chloramphenicol eye drops over the counter please get advice from an optometrist or Doctor if you have been using them for more than five days
