Ophthalmic ointment
The ophthalmic ointment appears as a soft and creamy preparation, to be spread inside the eye and / or on the eyelid.
Although not all ophthalmic ointments require a medical prescription, the opinion of an expert on the subject before use is always recommended: self-therapy is strongly discouraged since it risks generating unpleasant side effects.
Active principles
The ophthalmic ointments must be carefully chosen according to the disorder to be restored: the table shows the active ingredients and the pharmacological classes to which the types of ophthalmic ointments most used in therapy belong.
Active principle | Examples of ophthalmic ointments | Generality |
Hyaluronic acid |
| Ophthalmic ointments containing mucopolysaccharides such as hyaluronic acid are the main indications in the treatment of dry eye syndrome and all affections characterized by dryness (or xerosis) in the eye. Hyaluronic acid is often included in the formulation of antibiotic ointments to promote healing in a short time and to reduce its symptoms while keeping the eye hydrated. |
Lipoic acid |
| This substance is also used as an active ingredient in the preparation of ophthalmic ointments. Precisely because of its antioxidant properties, lipoic acid applied directly to the eye is recommended in the treatment of glaucoma and cataract. It is also indicated in the treatment of eyelid irritations in general (blepharitis). |
Antihistamines |
| Although indicated for the treatment of allergic conjunctivitis, the antihistamine ophthalmic ointments are generally replaced by antiallergic eye drops, because they are more practical to use. The antihistamine principles are indicated to treat symptoms such as intense itching and eye irritation related mainly to allergic events. |
Antibiotics |
| Ophthalmic ointments enriched with antibiotic active ingredients are indicated in the treatment of all infectious forms affecting the eye, such as in particular bacterial conjunctivitis, infectious stye and infectious uveitis. The ophthalmic ointment is often enriched with other active ingredients, such as hyaluronic acid, corticosteroids or simple analgesics (NSAIDs) for symptom control. |
Antivirals |
| The ointments formulated with antiviral drugs find indication in the treatment of viral conjunctivitis supported in particular by Herpes simplex and Herpes zoster. Unless otherwise indicated medically, do not use these types of ophthalmic ointments in combination with corticosteroid drugs (topically applied) at the same time. Such behavior could cause serious injury to internal eye structures. |
Cortisonici |
| Cortisonics are powerful anti-inflammatories which, although they do not affect the cause, visibly improve symptoms such as inflammation and swelling in a short time. Many cortisone ophthalmic ointments are also formulated with active antibiotics: in fact, when the eye affected by a bacterial insult shows a marked inflammation, the doctor tends to prescribe a product formulated both with active antibiotics and with corticosteroid drugs. Do not abuse: respect the dosage (dosage) indicated by the doctor. |
NSAIDs (Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs) |
| Ophthalmic ointments with anti-inflammatory action are indicated for all eye disorders associated with moderate pain and inflammation. Typically, ophthalmic ointments and analgesic eye drops find indication to speed healing in the context of viral conjunctivitis. |
mydriatic |
| This type of ophthalmic ointments is indicated in the treatment of eye infections and inflammations. In the presence of uveitis, eye drops and ophthalmic ointments with mydriatic action are indicated to prevent the formation of posterior sinews (pathological adhesions that form in the internal structures of the eye). |
Omega 3 and omega 6 |
| Indicated for the well-being of the eyelids and the periocular area in the presence of generic irritative eyelid disorders. As we know, omega 3 and omega 6 reduce the body's predisposition to inflammatory states, including phlogosis (inflammation) at the ocular level. |
Retinol (vitamin A) |
| Retinol, a substance used in this case as a skin restorer, is indicated for the treatment of xerophthalmia (dry eye) dependent on vitamin A deficiency. Secondly, this type of ophthalmic ointment is indicated in the treatment of blepharitis (palpebral inflammation), keratitis (inflammation of the cornea) and corneal ulcers. As a complement to therapy, some doctors also recommend the use of eyelid wipes (for external use) made with soothing substances (eg bisabolol) and disinfectants (eg chlorhexidine): an example is Blefarette Med, wipes. When necessary, supplement the diet with vitamin A supplementation by mouth. |
Soothing and lubricating substances |
| To help improve symptoms of redness or eye irritation, ophthalmic ointments prepared with soothing substances (eg bisabolol) and lubricants (eg Vaseline) are undoubtedly indicated. It is advisable to apply this type of ophthalmic ointment in the evening before sleeping at night: these drugs can induce a temporary blurred vision. |
