Ointments for the eye: which are better and how to use

Many are used to the fact that with any eye disease the doctor prescribes drops. Of course, this form of drugs is much more convenient in terms of application. But in some cases, prolonged exposure of the drug to the affected area is required. In this case, the specialist can prescribe ointments for the eye. For many, this form of the drug is not entirely convenient, but the effectiveness of therapy does not deteriorate from this.

Eye ointments for children: advantages and disadvantages

The main advantage of medicines for the eyes in the form of ointments is the prolonged action. In addition, you can apply the drug to the affected area before bedtime. This allows you to increase the exposure time of the drug.

Of course, ointments for the eyes are not inferior in effectiveness to drops. However, such drugs also have disadvantages, among which:

1. The main component of ointments for the eyes is absorbed much more slowly than the one that is part of the drops.
2. The pronounced effect of such a form of the drug is not always justified and desirable.
3. If the eyes are very festering, then applying the ointment in such situations is very difficult.
4. Often the formative components of the drug are a breeding ground for the development of various microorganisms. As a result, a secondary infection may develop.
   

Popular drugs

As a rule, ointments for the eye are prescribed not so often. Much depends on the nature of the disease. Also, do not forget that some drugs are contraindicated in children. Therefore, you should not use this or that drug on your own. This can only aggravate the condition of the child. Before applying the ointment for the eyes, it is worth consulting a specialist. Most often, doctors prescribe the following medicines to small patients:

1. "Phloxal" - this ointment around the eyes is prescribed mainly for the treatment of certain diseases in newborns. Such ailments include blepharitis, dacryocystitis, keratitis, conjunctivitis, "barley", corneal ulcers, as well as infections that were caused by chlamydia.
2. "Kolbiocin" is an ointment for the eyes that has an antibacterial effect. The composition is prescribed for eye diseases caused by rickettsia, microplasma, spirochete, amoeba, chlamydia. Often, the drug is used for catarrhal, trachoma and purulent conjunctivitis. Contraindicated in children under 8 years of age, as well as in pregnant women.
3. "Solcoseryl" - these drugs are usually prescribed for the treatment of certain eye diseases in children older than a year. However, it is worth using this medicine only in extreme cases. In some cases, complications may develop. Use this ointment for the eyes is only if the risk is justified.
4. "Tobrex" is an antibiotic that has a wide spectrum of action. The drug is usually used for various eye infections, for example, with endophthalmitis, keratitis, barley, conjunctivitis. It can be used to treat ailments in children from 2 months of age.
5. At the moment, there are a lot of different formulations for the treatment of various diseases. The list of eye ointments for children can be replenished with such medicines as Zovirax, Virolex, Acyclovir, Chloramphenicol, Gentamicin, and so on.

Eriithromycin and tetracycline ointment

Erythromycin or tetracycline ointment for the eyes is a medicine that can remove “barley” from the eyes. If the disease manifests itself externally, then the drug is applied to the skin above the place where the disease is localized. The use of such ointments also has limitations. For example, tetracycline cannot be used for children under eight years of age. This is primarily due to the fact that the drug increases the sensitivity of the skin to ultraviolet light. In addition, prolonged use can lead to staining of tooth enamel in a dark yellow color. To restore whiteness in this case is unlikely to succeed. Most often, this phenomenon is observed precisely during the period of teething and their further growth.

How are these drugs used?

Eye ointment should be used carefully so as not to harm the child. Before using any medicine, you should carefully study the instructions. This will avoid negative consequences. In addition, it is worth observing all the rules of use. So, how to use eye ointment:

1. To begin with, wash your hands thoroughly.
2. After this, the child must be placed so that he is as comfortable as possible.
3. It is advisable to explain to the baby what you are going to do. In this case, the child will not be afraid and the procedure will go without vagaries and tears.
4. If the baby is breast-fed, then it is worth wrapping it so that it cannot swing its arms freely. It is much more difficult with children in the age of 1 year to 3 years. In this case, assistance may be required.
   

How to apply ointment?

Apply ointment under the eye and only outside. First you need to slightly pull the lower eyelid, and then put the composition on the skin. Begin with the inner corner of the eye.

To improve the effect when using certain drugs, it is necessary to close your eyes and turn the pupils in different directions. Typically, such requirements are indicated in the instructions.

Do not forget that the use of ointments is prescribed only by a doctor. It is not recommended to use them independently.