Eye ointment – effect, application & risks

Eye ointment

Eye ointment is a drug that is used for the local treatment of various eye conditions. The basis for eye ointments are usually substances that have no water content. Substances such as paraffin and Vaseline are therefore often used in the manufacture of eye ointment.

What is eye ointment?

In addition to water-free ingredients such as Vaseline and paraffin, eye ointment usually contains other active ingredients that are tailored to the symptoms to be treated. For example, antibiotics , various corticosteroids or cortisone or vitamins are used. Eye ointments are suitable for the treatment of numerous diseases of the eyes , since various active ingredients can be combined with one another and applied locally in a relatively uncomplicated manner.

An alternative to eye ointment are eye drops, which are also used to treat eye problems. Eye ointment and eye drops differ mainly in terms of how they are processed. While eye ointments are fat based, eye drops are water based. The eye ointments are therefore less soluble than the drops and can remain in the eye and take effect for longer. For this reason, eye ointments are much better than eye drops for treating certain symptoms.

Effect and medical application

To apply the eye ointment, the lower lid of the affected eye is gently pulled down and the prescribed amount of the ointment is applied to the conjunctival sac. Meanwhile, the lower eyelid is held with one finger. Care should be taken when applying the eye ointment to avoid injury or contamination of the eye. The application tip of the ointment packaging must not touch the conjunctival sac or the eyelashes. This prevents the contents of the eye ointment in the tube from becoming contaminated. Even the smallest injuries to the eye can be prevented in this way. After the application, both eyes are closed. If excess ointment leaks out of the eye, it can be carefully wiped off with a sterile, lint-free cloth.

shapes and groups

There are different types of eye ointments, which differ mainly in terms of the active ingredients they contain and are used for various diseases. Eye ointments with antibiotics are used for bacterial infections , such as conjunctivitis. The drug Posiformin® is prescribed particularly frequently. Zovirax® eye ointment is often used for viral conjunctivitis .

In addition to antibiotic eye ointments, there are also those with the active ingredient cortisone, which are mainly used for non-infectious eye inflammation. Cortisone has an anti-inflammatory and anti-allergenic effect. Possible preparations include the eye ointments Hydrocortisone Ratiopharm® and Hydrocortisone Hexal®.

dosage

Basically, eye ointments are used for bacterial infections of the eyes, injuries, allergic reactions and dry eyes. The dosage depends on the prescribed preparation, the disease and the severity of the symptoms. In general, the active ingredients in the eye ointment are usually dosed in such a way that a strip of around five millimeters in length corresponds to an application dose.

The eye ointment is particularly easy to apply when the head is tilted back and the lower eyelid is pulled down. A strip of ointment 0.5 centimeters long is applied to the resulting fold. The application can also be carried out by a second person and the dosage can thus be specified more precisely. After applying the eye ointment, the greasy film in the eye can cause so-called blurred vision, which temporarily impairs the patient’s ability to drive.

Herbal, natural and pharmaceutical alternatives

When it comes to eye ointments, there are pharmaceutical, herbal and natural variants to choose from. Depending on the symptoms present, an eye ointment with certain active ingredients is selected, such as antibiotics or vitamins. For dry eyes, for example, an eye ointment that has a high vitamin A content is recommended . Such eye ointments contain relatively harmless active ingredients and are therefore usually available in pharmacies or drugstores without a prescription.

Homeopathic eye ointments are available for patients with certain allergies and intolerances. Such preparations usually contain special antihistamines that block the messenger histamine . This reduces allergic reactions of the eye. For example, homeopathic eye ointments are used for people with hay fever , although the mode of action of these preparations has not yet been clarified. Chemical eye ointments are used for more serious eye diseases, such as bacterial and viral infections. Pharmaceutical eye ointments are also used to regulate intraocular pressure.

Interactions and side effects

As with all medicines, there is a risk of various side effects when using eye ointment. For this reason, the information in the package leaflet should be followed and, if necessary, the doctor treating you should be consulted. Of particular relevance is compliance with the dosage instructions in order to avoid undesirable side effects. However, even when the eye ointment is used correctly, side effects can occur, for example in the form of hypersensitivity reactions. A burning sensation can occur and wound healing can be delayed.

In rare cases, the use of eye ointment can irritate the conjunctiva. This can lead to severe corneal inflammation and, in the worst case, cracks in the cornea. For this reason, patients with a corresponding inclination must consult their doctor before therapy and follow any instructions exactly. It should also be noted that pathogens that are resistant to the active ingredients contained in the eye ointment can sometimes significantly increase the symptoms of the disease.

Dorothy Farrar

Hello and welcome to my Health Guide & Encyclopedia! My name is Dorothy Farrar, and I'm the founder and main author of this platform.
My passion for health and wellness started at a young age when I became interested in the connection between the food we eat and the way we feel. This fascination led me to study nutrition and dietetics in college, where I learned about the importance of a balanced diet and the impact of various nutrients on the body.

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