Many eye ointments can help manage and treat symptoms of eye conditions like styes, pink eye, and other infections. When using eye ointments, it’s important to follow the directions.

Eye ointments can treat many common eye conditions, such as conjunctivitis (pink eye), dry eye syndrome, and styes.

Ointments aren’t the same as eye drops. Drops are liquid, while ointments are semisolid and greasy.

Doctors usually prescribe eye ointments for overnight use. Some of the most common ointments used to treat bacterial eye infections include:

  • Bacitracin: Treats bacterial eye infections in adults.
  • Erythromycin: Treats eye infections such as conjunctivitis in adults. Newborns may receive this drug to prevent neonatal conjunctivitis.
  • Ciprofloxacin: An antibiotic used for many bacterial eye infections that may be suitable for children older than 2 years.
  • Polymyxin B-bacitracin (Polysporin): This combination antibiotic is prescribed for most bacterial eye infections.
  • Tobramycin: This antibiotic is suitable for most bacterial eye infections. It may be used in children older than 2 years.

These drugs generally require a prescription. However, other forms of the same antibiotics may be available over-the-counter (OTC).

The drug’s packaging should clearly state that it’s for ophthalmic (eye) use. If you’re unsure, ask a pharmacist.

Other treatments

Other eye infection treatments include:

Ointments are not always the first line of treatment for eye infections. Depending on the type of infection, severity, and your age, your doctor may start with other treatments first.

Styes usually go away on their own, but you can use home remedies, such as a warm compress, to relieve symptoms.

For a more persistent stye, you might need eye drops or a prescription for a combination antibiotic and steroid eye ointment, such as TobraDex or Maxitrol.

Dry eyes refer to poorly lubricated eyes. This syndrome occurs from a lack of tears, low quality tears. Other symptoms may include:

  • stinging
  • burning
  • redness
  • mucus production
  • blurry vision
  • light sensitivity

Eye drops are the most common treatment for dry eyes. OTC gels and ointments are recommended for overnight use. Some of these products include:

  • GenTeal Tears severe dry eye
  • Refresh Celluvisc
  • Bausch + Lomb Soothe lubricant eye ointment
  • SYSTANE Nighttime lubricant eye ointment

These treatments aren’t medicated. They contain lubricants like mineral oil or white petrolatum. Check the ingredient list to make sure they don’t contain preservatives or phosphates, which can be harmful to your eyes.

Dry eyes can also increase your risk of an eye infection. This is because tears, which contain salt, help flush out potentially harmful germs from your eyes.

If you do develop an eye infection, your doctor may recommend an antibiotic, such as pills, eye drops, or one of the ointments listed in the eye infections section above.

If you’re using ointment as well as eye drops, put the eye drops in first. Wait 10 minutes before applying the ointment.

Applying eye ointment steps

  1. Wash your hands: You’ll need to touch your eye to apply the ointment. Wash your hands thoroughly before getting started. You can also use a clean pair of medical gloves.
  2. Warm up the tube: Close your hand around the tube to warm up the ointment inside.
  3. Remove the cap from the tube: Place the cap on a clean surface. Once the tube is open, avoid touching the tip with anything.
  4. Tilt your head back: You may want to stand in front of a mirror so you can see your eye. Make sure your upper lid is raised.
  5. Position the tube: Hold the tube with your dominant hand. The ointment should be very close to your eye, with the tip pointing toward it. Don’t let the tip touch your eye.
  6. Pull down your bottom eyelid: Use your pointer finger to pull your eyelid down without touching the inside of your eye. The red part under your bottom eyelid should form a small pocket for the ointment.
  7. Gently squeeze the tube: Without letting the tip of the tube touch your eye, squeeze a line of ointment into the pocket under your eye. Twist the tube to help the ointment break off from the tip and fall into your lower eyelid.
  8. Close your eyes: Let both eyelids close, and leave them closed for 1 minute. The ointment should melt with your body heat. While your eyes are closed, look up to help the ointment spread to the rest of your eye.
  9. Clean the tip of the tube: Use a clean tissue or baby wipe to prevent the spread of germs.
  10. Wash your hands: After you’ve finished, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.

It’s important to use antibiotic eye ointments for as long as your doctor has directed.

Finish the treatment course, even if your symptoms have improved. This will ensure that the treatment works correctly and your symptoms don’t return.

Eye ointments can treat many eye conditions, including infections, styes, and dry eyes. Most eye ointments are prescribed for overnight application.

Follow the correct procedure when applying eye ointment. If you accidentally get ointment in your eye that’s meant for your skin, be sure to rinse your eye thoroughly with a steady stream of cool water.

Follow up with your doctor if you have any swelling, pain, changes to your vision, or other unusual symptoms.