Putting ointment in your eyes

It sounds tricky but there is an easy way to apply ointment in your eyes after surgery.  After a lower eyelid lift (blepharoplasty) when the incision is created behind your eyelid or the transconjunctival approach, Dr. Kotlus prescribes an ointment containing antibiotics or a combination of antibiotics with steroids. These ointments are safe for contact with the surface of the eye.

The tube

The ointment tube will read “ophthalmic use” and it should not be confused with other medications in your house, and special care should be taken to keep it separate from any tubes of super glue!

Using the tube

The tip of the tube should not touch your skin or the surface of the eye.  In a mirror, use your index finger on one hand to gently pull downward on your lower eyelid.  With the tip of the tube near the edge of the eyelid, very carefully squeeze and allow a thin strip of ointment to reach the eyelid; approximately 1/4 inch long.

If the ointment is on the eyelid margin or very close to it, you can then blink several times and it will work its way over the surface of the eye including the incision area.

It is common to use this ointment after cosmetic lower blepharoplasty.  In his Manhattan and Westchester offices in NY, Dr. Kotlus routinely  uses the transconjunctival approach to the lower eyelid fat pads.

The video above shows exactly how the ointment can be applied.