How to Administer Eye Ointments to Children
Try not to treat the administration as an ordeal. Stay calm and the child may also stay calm.
1. Wash hands before and after administering eye ointment. Conjunctivitis is
the most common reason for eye medicines. It may be easily spread to
the other eye and also other people.
2. Wrapping the child in a blanket may help to immobilize him/her.
3. Lay the child flat on his/her back and have him/her look at the ceiling.
or
Sit the child in a chair looking up, with his/her head resting on the chair
back.
or
Cradle the child in your arms with his/her head held securely in the crook
of your elbow.
The ointment tube tip must be kept clean. Avoid touching the tip of the tube against the eye, or anything else. Let the ointment drop into the eye.
4. Hold the tube between the thumb and forefinger of your hand.
5. Brace the palm of this hand against the child’s forehead or cheek,
whichever is easier for you.
6. With the index finger of your other hand, pull the lower lid down to form a
pocket.
or
Pull the lower lid out with the thumb and forefinger to form a “V” pocket
with the lid between them.
7. Squeeze the tube gently to produce a short strip of ointment.
8. Place the strip of ointment, about 1/4”
long, into the pocket made by the
lower lid.
9. Release the lower lid and have the child
close his/her eyes while rolling the
eyeball.
If necessary, wipe off excess ointment from eyelashes and eyelids with a tissue.
10. Replace the ointment cap and tighten.
The child’s eyesight may be cloudy or blurry after using the ointment. A bedtime dose is preferable if it is needed once a day.
The ointment may feel cool or uncomfortable at first. It will feel soothing after a short time.
Keep the medicine out of the reach of children.
The information provided should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
Last Updated: 08/21/2012
Copyright © 08/21/2012 University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics Authority. All rights reserved. Produced by the Department of Nursing. HF#7051
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