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Eye Ointment: What It Is, When to Use It, and How to Pick the Right One

If your eyes feel gritty, red, or sore, a doctor might suggest an eye ointment. Unlike drops, ointments are thick, greasy, and stay on the surface longer. That extra stay‑time helps the medicine work better for infections, inflammation, or dry‑eye problems. In this guide we’ll break down the main kinds you’ll see, how to use them without a mess, and what to watch out for.

Common Types of Eye Ointments

Most eye ointments fall into three groups:

  • Antibiotic ointments – contain drugs like bacitracin or erythromycin. They’re used for bacterial infections after surgery or after a scratch.
  • Corticosteroid ointments – have steroids such as loteprednol. They calm inflammation but need a doctor’s okay because long‑term use can raise eye pressure.
  • Lubricating (dry‑eye) ointments – made with petroleum jelly or mineral oil. Perfect for night‑time use when you need extra moisture.

Over‑the‑counter (OTC) options are usually the lubricating kind. If you see a prescription label with a drug name, treat it like any other prescription medication – you’ll need a valid script.

How to Use and Store Eye Ointments Safely

Applying ointment is easy once you get the hang of it:

  1. Wash your hands thoroughly.
  2. Pull down your lower eyelid to create a small pocket.
  3. Put a tiny strip (about the size of a grain of rice) of ointment into the pocket.
  4. Close your eye gently and blink a few times to spread the medicine.

Don’t rub your eye after applying – that can push the ointment out or cause irritation.

When it comes to storage, keep the tube tightly closed and store it at room temperature, away from direct sunlight. Some ointments need refrigeration once opened; read the label to be sure. If the texture changes (gets watery or clumpy) or the expiration date is past, toss it and get a fresh tube.

Side effects are usually mild: temporary blurry vision right after applying, a feeling of stickiness, or a mild burning sensation. If you notice increasing redness, pain, or vision loss, stop using the ointment and call your eye doctor right away.

Buying eye ointment online can be tempting, but only use reputable pharmacies that require a prescription for prescription‑only products. Look for sites that show a valid pharmacy license and clear contact info. If a deal sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

Bottom line: eye ointments are a handy tool for treating infections, soothing inflammation, or keeping eyes moist. Choose the right type for your condition, follow the simple application steps, store it properly, and watch out for any worrisome symptoms. With these basics, you’ll feel more confident handling eye ointments without a trip to the pharmacy every time.