Wie man Augensalbe verwendet

Using an eye ointment

• Wash your hands well before you use the eye ointment.

• Sit or stand in front of a mirror.

• Entfernen Sie die Kappe von der Tube.

• Neigen Sie den Kopf ein wenig zurück und ziehen Sie das untere Augenlid nach außen, um eine Tasche zu bilden.

• Halten Sie das Röhrchen mit dem Kopf nach unten in die Nähe Ihres Auges.

• Üben Sie genügend Druck auf die Tube aus, um eine dünne Salbenlinie entlang der Innenseite des unteren Augenlids freizusetzen. Versuchen Sie dabei, Ihr Auge nicht zu berühren.

• Close your eye for a moment or two and then blink a few times to spread the ointment around the inside of your eye.

• Your vision may become a little blurred after you use an eye ointment. If you blink several times after you apply your eye ointment your vision should clear. Try not to rub your eyes.

• Wiederholen Sie den Vorgang mit dem anderen Auge, wenn beide Augen betroffen sind.

• When you have finished, remember to replace the cap on the tube in order to prevent the ointment from becoming contaminated. Try not to touch the top of the tube.

Some points about eye ointments

Eye ointments are free from germs (sterile) before the bottle top is opened. Once it is opened:

• Keep the tube closed in a cool, dark place (unless otherwise advised).

• Do not let the top of the tube touch your eye, fingers, or any other surface. This is to keep it free from germs such as bacteria.

• Do not let anyone else use your eye ointment and do not use anyone else's eye ointment yourself.

• Throw out the tube (and get a new one if required) after the recommended time. This is often four weeks after first opening the tube. Never keep opened tubes to use later. There is a risk that the ointment may become infected if it is kept and used for longer than advised. You may wish to write the date that you opened the tube on the label so you will know when it is time to throw it out.

• Some eye ointments sting or irritate for a short while. Rarely, some people are allergic to some eye ointments. Tell your doctor if eye symptoms become worse after using an eye ointment.

• Do not wear contact lenses whilst using eye ointments unless otherwise advised. (Some drugs and preservatives in eye ointments can accumulate in soft contact lenses and may cause harm.)

• Keep eye ointments out of children's reach.

Giving eye ointment to children

Dies hängt vom Alter und der Mitarbeit des Kindes ab, kann aber eine Herausforderung sein. Je nach Alter des Kindes können Sie:

• Setzen Sie das Kind so, dass sein Kopf nach hinten geneigt ist.

• Legen Sie sie flach auf den Rücken.

• Bitten Sie einen anderen Erwachsenen, sie sicher zu halten.

• Wrap a baby or young child in a blanket to keep their arms and legs still.

Then apply the ointment in the same way as above, taking care not to let the tube contact your child's eyelashes, eyes or skin.

Using other eye ointments or drops

If you need to use two eye ointments, you should apply one of the eye ointments as per the instructions above; then, wait about half an hour before you apply the second eye ointment. This is in order to allow enough time for the first eye ointment to be absorbed.

If you have been prescribed an eye drop as well as an eye ointment you should normally apply the eye drop first. Wait five minutes and then apply your eye ointment. See also separate leaflet called How to Use Eye Drops.

For more detailed information see the leaflet that came with your medicine.