Administering Ophthalmic Medications

Before using any eye drops, eye ointment, or gel, clean the area around the eye of any discharge or crusted debris stuck around the eye. A plain cosmetic cotton pad moistened with lukewarm water is completely suitable for cleaning.

Do not use chamomile tea or boric acid solution, as these can dry out the conjunctiva.

Eye drops

When using eye drops, it is enough to instil a single drop into the eye at a time, as this amount is more than sufficient. If more than one drop accidentally gets into the eye, this is not a problem either, but in small animals (cat, guinea pig, rabbit) certain active ingredients (e.g. steroids) instilled into the eye can produce effects throughout the whole body.

It is important to read the instructions for use! If they state that the product should be stored in the refrigerator, or shaken before use, this must always be followed.

After cleaning the area around the eye, position yourself behind your pet, so your companion cannot see what is about to happen. Place your left hand under the animal's chin and gently tilt its head upward. This movement will cause your pet to open its eye. Taking the eye dropper in your right hand, place your hand on the animal's head and pull the upper eyelid upward. Meanwhile, you can pull the lower eyelid downward with your left hand, though this is not always necessary.

Instil one drop onto the surface of the eye, then hold the animal's head in this position for a few more seconds, so the eye drop can be absorbed.

Eye ointment

Eye ointments can be applied directly onto the surface of the eye, using the same technique as for eye drops. A product that must be stored in the refrigerator is best warmed slightly to room temperature before use, so it is easier to apply.

Eye ointment can also be placed into the conjunctival sac. To do this, pull the lower eyelid slightly downward and apply the ointment onto the conjunctiva of the lower eyelid. Then gently close the eyelids together and gently massage them, so the ointment spreads evenly.

How much eye ointment should I apply?

Roughly a grain-of-rice-sized amount of eye ointment is sufficient.

How much time should pass between treatments?

Generally, eye drops should be applied before eye ointments, and it is best to leave a longer break (roughly one hour) after eye ointments, so the active ingredient can be absorbed.

Between two different eye drops, it is sufficient to wait 10–15 minutes. If you administer several eye preparations at the same time, this is not harmful to the eye, but one product may wash out the other, which can reduce its effect.

My dog/cat is squinting after the treatment. What should I do?

After the application of eye preparations, it is completely normal for your pet to blink a little more often. However, if it starts vigorously scratching or rubbing at its eye, or its eye starts watering noticeably, this is no longer normal. In this case, please be sure to contact me.