Eye Ointment: Effect, Uses & Risks

In modern society, external factors not infrequently lead to eye disease. To preserve the eyesight, a carefully selected therapy is essential. Within the framework of individual forms of therapy, the so-called eye ointments are often used. Eye drops also offer an alternative option.

What is eye ointment?

In the context of the application, the eye ointment or eye drops are carefully introduced into the so-called conjunctival sac. A so-called eye ointment is a special medication, which is applied locally in the area of the eyes. An eye ointment always has a separate device for dosing the required amount. During application, the eye ointment is carefully inserted into the so-called conjunctival sac. Unless an eye ointment requires a prescription, it can be purchased at a drugstore and pharmacy. Nevertheless, an eye ointment should never be used without a prior assessment of the symptoms by an ophthalmologist.

Application, effect and use

The human body is exposed to a variety of bacteria as well as viruses on a daily basis. However, while the skin, for example, is a natural barrier, the eyes are not always adequately protected. An eye ointment is used to treat infections as well as inflammations, among other things. With regard to the selection of a suitable eye ointment, however, it must be clarified in advance whether the eye disease is a bacterial disease or a viral disease. If it is a bacterial disease, a therapy with an antibiotic eye ointment is considered. A viral disease of the eyes is treated with a so-called antiviral agent. However, an eye ointment is not only used in case of an injury or a severe disease of the eyes. Often a particularly long activity at the computer leads to irritation of the eyes. Due to a severe lack of fluid in the eye, those affected not infrequently complain of severe itching. Thus, modern medicine also has suitable active substances for such cases.

Herbal, natural and pharmaceutical eye ointments.

Depending on the symptoms, the use of a so-called eye ointment is considered. Insofar as those affected complain of dry eyes, for example, a special preparation with a high proportion of vitamin A is used. Since the ingredients of these eye ointments are harmless, the eye ointments can be purchased in a drugstore, for example. If an allergy-related eye disease is present, homeopathic eye ointments are used. The homeopathic preparations usually have so-called antihistamines. The antihistamines have a blocking effect on the so-called messenger substance histamine. The body’s own messenger substance is considered by leading medical experts to be a cause of allergy-related irritation of the eyes. Homeopathic preparations are used, among other things, for patients with hay fever. To date, however, the effect of homeopathic preparations has not been fully proven. Besides homeopathic eye ointments, chemical eye ointments are mainly used for the treatment of eye diseases. Thus, eye ointments with chemical additives are usually used for diseases of the eyes, which are viral or bacterial. Often pharmaceutical preparations are also used to regulate intraocular pressure.

Risks and side effects

In the context of a therapy with an eye ointment, the so-called risks and side effects should always be taken into account. Therefore, the dosage information listed in the respective package inserts should always be followed. Nevertheless, mild to severe side effects may occur despite proper application. Thus, occasionally a hypersensitivity reaction occurs. In addition to a burning sensation, those affected often complain of delayed wound healing as part of this reaction. Particularly rarely, the application of eye ointment causes irritation of the conjunctiva. In most cases, this results in a sometimes severe inflammation of the cornea. For patients with a corresponding history, the use of an eye ointment is only recommended after prior consultation with the attending physician.If the ophthalmic ointment is used without a specific prescription, in the worst case a tear in the cornea may occur in patients with previous exposure. If the pathogens are resistant to the active ingredient used, the symptomatology is noticeably intensified in most cases.