How should ophthalmic ointment be administered differently from eye drops?

• A. Drops into conjunctival sac; ointment along lower eyelid with eye closed for absorption.
• B. Drops on the eyelid; ointment into conjunctival sac.
• C. Drops absorbed via eyelid; ointment is swallowed after.
• D. Drops are not used; ointment only.

Answer: (A)

The key idea is how long and where the medicine sits on the eye. Eye drops are placed into the conjunctival sac, the tiny pocket between the eyelid and the eyeball, so the liquid spreads quickly across the surface. Ointment, being thicker, is applied along the lower eyelid margin as a thin ribbon with the eye closed, so it coats the surface and stays in contact longer as you blink. This longer contact time helps absorption, while the eye may be blurred for a bit after ointment use—one reason it’s often saved for nighttime.