How to Use Eye Ointments and Gels Properly

(Using a mirror or having someone else give you the eyedrops may make this procedure easier.)

1Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.
2 Avoid touching the tip of the tube against your eye or anything else - the medication and its container must be kept clean.
3 Holding the tube between your thumb and forefinger, place it as near to your eyelid as possible without touching it.
4 Brace the remaining fingers of that hand against your face.
5 Tilt your head forward slightly.
6 While tilting your head back, pull down the lower lid of your eye with your index finger to form a pocket.
7 Squeeze ribbon of ointment or gel into the pocket made by the lower eyelid. Remove your index finger from the lower eyelid.
8 Blink your eye gently; then close your eye for 1 to 2 minutes.
9With a tissue, wipe any excess ointment or gel from the eyelids and lashes. With another clean tissue, wipe the tip of the tube clean.
10 Replace and tighten the cap right away.
11 Wash your hands to remove any medication.

Remember

Follow directions carefully
Do not miss doses
Your eyesight may be cloudy after using the ointment or gel
Store medications out of reach of children

The 'How to Administer' illustrations shown on SafeMedication.com were developed by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) using referenced publications and existing patient information. The illustrations are the sole intellectual property of ASHP. Copyright ASHP. Illustrator: Kirk Moldoff Studios, Princeton, N.J.