The eyelid margin is the narrow strip of tissue that forms the very edge of both the upper and lower eyelids. This delicate area is where the eyelashes emerge and where the openings of the meibomian glands are located. Topical ophthalmic ointments are often directed to this location because it is the site of common conditions like blepharitis or a stye. The semi-solid nature of ointments allows them to stay in contact with the affected tissue longer than liquid drops, providing sustained treatment. Applying medication directly to the margin also addresses underlying issues like meibomian gland dysfunction and can improve the quality of the tear film’s lipid layer.
Essential Preparation Steps
Proper preparation prevents introducing foreign contaminants into the eye, which can worsen existing conditions or cause new infections. Before touching the medication tube or the eye area, a thorough handwashing procedure is required. Hands should be washed with soap and water for a minimum of 20 seconds, ensuring all surfaces are scrubbed clean.
The eye area itself should also be prepared. If the condition involves crusting or debris, applying a warm compress for five to ten minutes can help soften the material. Following the compress, the eyelid margin should be gently cleaned using a specialized lid cleanser, a diluted baby shampoo solution, or premoistened pads, as recommended by a healthcare provider. This cleaning step mechanically removes scales and crusts from the base of the eyelashes, allowing the ointment to work more effectively.
Once the hands and eyelids are clean, all necessary supplies should be gathered. These supplies include the prescribed ophthalmic ointment, a clean mirror if one is needed for visibility, and a clean tissue. Gathering supplies streamlines the process and minimizes the chance of accidental contamination during application.
Step-by-Step Ointment Application Technique
Begin application by positioning the head, either by tilting it back while sitting or by lying down, often utilizing a mirror for a clearer view. Uncap the ointment tube, and prepare a small amount of medication, typically a bead the size of a grain of rice. Squeezing this amount out of the tube before application prevents excessive pressure.
To apply the ointment to the lower eyelid margin, gently pull the lower lid downward with a finger, creating a small pocket between the lid and the eyeball. Hold the tube close to the eye, and carefully place the ribbon of medication along the inner edge of the lower lid. Ensure the tip of the ointment tube never touches the eye’s surface, the eyelashes, or the skin, as this can introduce bacteria back into the tube.
If applying to the upper eyelid margin is necessary, or if a person has difficulty applying the ribbon directly from the tube, an alternative technique can be used. Place the ointment onto a clean fingertip. Close the eye, and use the fingertip to smear the medication directly across the lash line of the closed lid. Once applied, the eye should be closed for one to two minutes to allow the ointment to melt and spread. Rolling the eyeball while the lid is closed helps distribute the medication evenly.
Post-Application Care and Contamination Prevention
After the ointment has been applied, it is common to experience blurred vision. This blurring is a result of the semi-solid, oily nature of the medication and typically lasts for 15 to 30 minutes. Any excess ointment that has collected on the eyelid skin or the cheek should be gently blotted away using a clean tissue.
Maintaining the sterility of the medication is a continuous responsibility. The tip of the tube must never come into contact with any non-sterile surface, including the eye, the skin, or a finger. Sharing the ophthalmic ointment with other people is unsafe and should be avoided.
The medication must be discarded after the prescribed treatment time has ended or if the expiration date has passed. If using both eye drops and an ointment, the drops should always be administered first, with a waiting period of five to ten minutes before applying the ointment. Should a person experience signs such as increasing redness, pain, or an apparent allergic reaction after application, they should contact a healthcare provider.