Eye ointments are often used to treat eye problems. Unfortunately, there are still many people who are confused and wrong in using eye ointment, so the medicine in the ointment does not work optimally.
There are various eye problems that can be treated with eye ointments, ranging from dry eyes, itchy eyes, to eye infections. Therefore, the types of eye ointments also vary, depending on the underlying cause.
Types of Eye Ointment
The following are some types of eye ointments that are commonly used:
1. Eye ointment to treat dry eyes
Eye ointments containing paraffin are generally given to treat dry eye problems. This type of ointment can moisturize as well as lubricate the surface of the eyeball, so it doesn't dry out easily.
2. Eye ointment to treat allergies
This ointment contains antihistamine drugs that work to treat allergy symptoms in the eyes, such as red eyes accompanied by itching and watery eyes.
3. Eye ointment to treat bacterial infections
Eye ointments containing antibiotics are often used to treat eye infections. But remember, this antibiotic ointment is only used to treat eye infections caused by bacteria.
How to Use the Right Eye Ointment
To treat eye disorders, you need to use an eye ointment that matches the cause of the disorder. Therefore, you should consult an ophthalmologist first. The doctor will give the appropriate type of eye ointment, and explain how to use it.
In order for the eye ointment to work optimally, you can take the following steps before and during the use of the eye ointment:
- Wash your hands before starting to use the eye ointment.
- Sit in front of a mirror so you can apply the eye ointment properly.
- Tilt your head, then pull the lower eyelid slowly with your index finger.
- Hold the ointment package with the other hand and press until the ointment comes out about 1 cm. Then, apply it along the inside of the lower eyelid.
- Be careful not to let the tip of the package touch your eyes or eyelashes, so that the ointment inside is not contaminated with dirt or germs.
- After the ointment sticks to the eye, blink your eyes so that the ointment is evenly distributed.
- As soon as the ointment is applied to the eye, your vision will become blurry, but this condition will disappear once the ointment is evenly distributed and absorbed.
- Wipe off the remaining ointment around the eyes using a tissue.
- If you must use more than one type of eye ointment, wait 30 minutes before applying the next ointment.
- If you must use eye drops and eye ointment, apply the eye drops first, wait five minutes, then apply the ointment.
- Do not apply eye ointment while wearing contact lenses.
Ask someone else for help if you can't use the eye ointment on your own. However, still make sure the person applies the methods of using eye ointment correctly as described above.
How to Store the Right Ointment
Eye ointment packaging must be clean and free from dirt and germs. Therefore, eye ointment that has been opened should not be stored carelessly. Here is the correct way to store eye ointment packaging:
- Close the eye ointment and store in a cool, dry room, away from direct sunlight.
- Do not let the tip of the package (the part where the ointment comes out) come into contact with your skin, eyes, or other objects, so that the ointment is not contaminated with bacteria.
- Do not use one package of ointment interchangeably with another.
- Throw away the eye ointment immediately after the expiration date, or a maximum of 4 weeks after the package was first opened.
- Keep eye ointment out of reach of children.
- Do not apply eye ointment while wearing contact lenses.
- If eye complaints actually get worse after using eye ointment, see a doctor immediately.
By knowing how to use eye ointment correctly, you can get rid of eye problems quickly. But keep in mind, if the complaints in the eyes actually get worse after using eye ointment, immediately consult a doctor to get the right treatment.