Applying erythromycin ophthalmic ointment involves pulling down the lower eyelid to create a small pocket, then squeezing a thin ribbon of ointment (about 1 centimeter, or roughly a third of an inch) into that space. The process takes less than a minute, but getting the technique right matters for both comfort and effectiveness.
Step-by-Step Application
Start by washing your hands thoroughly with soap and water. Remove the cap from the tube and set it somewhere clean. If you’re applying the ointment to your own eye, stand in front of a mirror so you can see what you’re doing. If someone else is helping, have them follow the same hand-washing step.
Tilt your head back slightly, or tilt it forward just enough to see in the mirror, whichever feels more stable. With the index finger of your non-dominant hand, gently press on the skin just below your lower eyelid and pull it downward. This creates a small pocket between your eyelid and your eyeball.
Hold the tube between the thumb and index finger of your other hand, and brace the remaining fingers against your cheek or nose. This steadies your hand and keeps you from accidentally poking your eye. Bring the tube tip as close to your lower eyelid as possible without touching it. Squeeze a thin strip of ointment, about 1 cm long, directly into the pocket you’ve created. Look downward as you do this.
Release your lower eyelid and gently close both eyes. Keep them closed for one to two minutes so the ointment has time to spread across the surface of the eye and make contact with the infection. Resist the urge to blink rapidly or rub your eyes.
After You Apply the Ointment
Your vision will be blurry for a few minutes after application. This is normal and happens because the ointment is a thick, greasy film sitting on the surface of your eye. It clears as the ointment absorbs and spreads. Avoid driving or doing anything that requires sharp vision until it resolves.
Use a clean tissue to wipe away any excess ointment from your eyelids and lashes. Then wipe the tip of the tube itself with a separate clean tissue before replacing the cap tightly. Wash your hands again when you’re done. Do not rub your eyes, even if they feel filmy or uncomfortable.
Keeping the Tube Sterile
The single most important rule: never let the tip of the tube touch any surface, including your eye, your eyelid, your fingers, or a countertop. Contaminating the tip introduces bacteria into the tube, which defeats the purpose of an antibiotic ointment. If you accidentally touch the tip to your eye or skin, wipe it immediately with a clean tissue. Keep the cap on whenever the tube isn’t in active use, and store it with the cap tightened.
How Often to Apply
For bacterial eye infections, the ointment is typically applied up to six times daily, depending on how severe the infection is. Your prescriber will tell you the exact frequency and how many days to continue. Even if your symptoms improve within a day or two, finish the full course. Stopping early can allow surviving bacteria to regrow.
Applying to a Child’s Eyes
Children, especially young ones, are not going to sit still for this. A few adjustments make it much easier.
Start by creating a calm environment. Explain to your child what the medicine is for and what it will feel like (a little slimy, maybe slightly blurry, but not painful). Have your child lie down on their back. If they won’t keep still, you may need to gently but firmly hold them in place, or wrap a younger child snugly in a blanket to keep their hands away from their face.
With the child lying down and their eyes closed, pull the lower eyelid down to create the same pocket you’d make on yourself. Place a thin line of ointment into the pocket. Once you release the eyelid, have the child keep their eyes closed and roll their eyeball from side to side. This helps distribute the ointment across the entire surface of the eye without needing to blink it in.
Use in Newborns
Erythromycin ophthalmic ointment is also the standard treatment used in hospitals to protect newborns from eye infections they can pick up during birth. The CDC recommends applying a 1 cm ribbon of the 0.5% ointment into both eyes of every newborn as soon as possible after delivery, ideally within 24 hours. This is done by hospital staff in the delivery room and is routine in most U.S. states. Some states require it by law. Parents don’t need to do anything for this application, but knowing what it is can help if you see the ointment on your baby’s eyes after birth.
Common Side Effects
Temporary blurred vision is the most common effect and clears on its own. Some people experience mild irritation, a slight burning sensation, or redness right after application. These are generally short-lived. If you notice increasing redness, swelling, worsening pain, or a rash around your eye that wasn’t there before, those could signal an allergic reaction or a worsening infection, and it’s worth getting checked.