Applying erythromycin eye ointment involves pulling down your lower eyelid to create a small pocket, then squeezing a thin ribbon of ointment (about 1 cm, or roughly a third of an inch) into that space. The process takes under a minute once you get the hang of it, but technique matters for both comfort and effectiveness.
Step-by-Step Application
Start by washing your hands thoroughly with soap and water. This prevents introducing new bacteria into an already infected eye. If you’re using the ointment in both eyes, you’ll repeat the full process for each one.
Tilt your head back, either while standing in front of a mirror or sitting in a chair and looking up at the ceiling. With one finger, press gently on the skin just below your lower eyelid and pull it downward, away from the eyeball. This creates a small pocket between your eyelid and your eye, sometimes called the conjunctival sac.
Hold the tube close to your eye (but not touching it) and squeeze a thin strip of ointment directly into that pocket. Aim for about 1 cm in length, which is roughly a third of an inch. Think of it as a small grain of rice worth of ointment. Then release your lower eyelid and gently close both eyes. Keep them closed for one to two minutes so the medication can spread across the surface of your eye and make contact with the infection.
One critical rule: never let the tip of the tube touch your eye, your eyelid, your fingers, or any other surface. Touching the tip can contaminate the ointment with bacteria, which defeats the purpose entirely. If you accidentally touch the tip to something, wipe it with a clean tissue but avoid pushing anything into the opening.
How Often to Apply It
For most eye infections like bacterial conjunctivitis, the typical frequency ranges from two to six times per day depending on how severe the infection is. Milder cases may only need application every 8 to 12 hours, while more serious infections could require it every 4 hours. Your prescription label will specify your schedule.
Try to space your doses evenly throughout the day. If you miss a dose, apply it as soon as you remember, then resume your normal schedule. Don’t double up to make up for a missed application. Even if your symptoms improve within a few days, finish the full course of treatment. Stopping early can allow surviving bacteria to regrow and potentially become harder to treat.
Blurred Vision After Application
Expect your vision to blur temporarily after each application. This is normal and happens because the ointment is a thick, greasy substance sitting on the surface of your eye. It typically clears within several minutes as the ointment melts and spreads into a thinner film. During that window, avoid driving, operating machinery, or doing anything that requires sharp vision. Many people find it easiest to apply the ointment right before bed, especially if they’re only using it once or twice a day, so the blur doesn’t interfere with daily activities.
Contact Lenses During Treatment
You should not wear contact lenses while using erythromycin eye ointment. The greasy base of the ointment coats lenses and clouds them, and wearing contacts during an active eye infection creates a warm, moist environment where bacteria thrive. Wait until your full course of treatment is finished and your symptoms have fully resolved before putting lenses back in.
Tips for Easier Application
If you’re struggling to keep your eye open or hold the tube steady, try these adjustments:
- Use a mirror. Watching yourself makes it easier to aim the ointment strip into the right spot.
- Brace your hand. Rest the hand holding the tube against your forehead or cheek so it stays steady near your eye.
- Warm the tube slightly. Holding the tube in your closed fist for a minute or two before application softens the ointment and makes it flow more smoothly.
- Lie down if needed. Reclining with your face toward the ceiling can make it easier to tilt your head back far enough, especially for older adults or children.
If you need to apply a second eye medication (drops or a different ointment), wait at least 5 to 10 minutes between products. Always apply drops before ointments, since the greasy ointment can block liquid drops from reaching the eye’s surface.
Storing the Tube
Keep erythromycin ointment at room temperature, between 59°F and 86°F (15°C to 30°C). Don’t leave it in a hot car or near a window, and don’t freeze it. Replace the cap tightly after every use. Once your treatment is complete, dispose of any remaining ointment rather than saving it for future infections, since an opened tube can become contaminated over time.