Conjunctival sac ointment serves as a common and effective method for delivering medication directly to the eye, addressing a range of conditions from infections to inflammation and dry eye discomfort. This form of medication differs from liquid eye drops primarily in its thicker, semisolid consistency. The ointment is designed to melt slightly upon contact with body warmth, allowing it to coat the eye’s surface and remain in place for an extended period, which often leads to a prolonged therapeutic effect. This sustained presence enables the active ingredients to work more efficiently compared to drops that may be quickly blinked away.
Understanding the Conjunctival Sac
The conjunctival sac refers to a small, natural pocket or pouch located within the eye, formed by the transparent mucous membrane known as the conjunctiva. This membrane lines the inner surfaces of the eyelids, called the palpebral conjunctiva, and then folds back to cover the white part of the eyeball, known as the bulbar conjunctiva. The space created between these two parts of the conjunctiva, particularly when the lower eyelid is gently pulled down, forms the conjunctival sac.
How to Properly Apply Eye Ointment
Applying eye ointment correctly begins with thorough preparation to maintain sterility and ensure efficacy. Always wash your hands meticulously with soap and water before touching the ointment tube or your eyes. Next, inspect the ointment tube to confirm it is the correct medication, check the expiration date, and verify that the seal is intact if it is a new tube. Some individuals find that holding the tube in a closed hand for a minute or two gently warms the ointment, making it flow more smoothly during application.
Positioning yourself comfortably, either sitting with your head tilted back or lying down, can make the application process easier. Gently pull down your lower eyelid with one or two fingers of your non-dominant hand, creating a small pocket or pouch between the eyelid and the eye. Look upwards towards the ceiling, which helps direct your gaze away from the application site. With your dominant hand, hold the ointment tube close to the eye, taking care to ensure the tip does not touch your eye, eyelid, or eyelashes, to avoid contamination.
Gently squeeze the tube to dispense a small ribbon of ointment, typically about 1/4 to 1/2 inch (approximately 0.6 to 1.25 centimeters) long, into the created pocket. After applying the ribbon, you can slightly rotate the tube to help detach the ointment cleanly. Carefully release your lower eyelid, then gently close your eye for one to two minutes without rubbing it. This brief closure allows the ointment to spread evenly across the eye’s surface and begin to absorb. Finally, use a clean tissue to wipe away any excess ointment that may have squeezed out onto the skin around your eye.
Common Application Issues and Solutions
Experiencing blurry vision immediately after applying eye ointment is a common and expected temporary side effect. This occurs because the ointment forms a film over the eye’s surface, which temporarily interferes with clear sight. To minimize disruption to daily activities, it is often recommended to apply eye ointment before bedtime, allowing the medication to work overnight while vision is less of a concern. The blurry sensation typically resolves within a few minutes as the ointment distributes and absorbs.
If the tip of the ointment tube accidentally touches your eye, eyelid, or eyelashes during application, it is important to address potential contamination. For minor contact, simply wipe the tip of the tube with a clean tissue before replacing the cap securely. This practice helps prevent the introduction of bacteria or other foreign matter into the tube. Always replace the cap tightly after each application to protect the remaining ointment.
A common concern is feeling as though you missed applying the ointment or did not get enough into the eye. In such instances, it is generally advisable to avoid applying additional ointment immediately. A small amount properly placed in the conjunctival sac is usually sufficient to be effective. If you are consistently unsure about successful application, consider consulting your pharmacist or healthcare provider for guidance.
When applying eye ointment to another person, such as a child, maintaining a calm and reassuring demeanor is beneficial for cooperation. For children, positioning them sitting with their head tilted back or lying flat on their back can help stabilize their head. For infants or very young children, gently wrapping them in a light blanket can help keep their arms and legs still during the process. You can then gently pull down their lower eyelid and apply the ointment as usual, or for very small children, a thin line placed in the inner corner of a closed eye will often spread across the eye when they open and blink.