Ophthalmic ointment
The ophthalmic ointment is presented 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 in the matter before use is always recommended: self-therapy is strongly discouraged as it risks generating unpleasant side effects.
Active principles
The ophthalmic ointments must be carefully chosen according to the disorder to be healed: the table shows the active ingredients and the pharmacological classes belonging to the types of ophthalmic ointments most used in therapy.
Active principle
Generality
Hyaluronic acid
- Ophthalmic ointment made with hyaluronic acid, soothing substances and omega 3 and 6 fatty acids (eg Omegalid)
- Ophthalmic gel prepared with netilmicin and hyaluronic acid (eg. Xanternet)
Ophthalmic ointments containing mucopolysaccharides such as hyaluronic acid are mainly indicated in the treatment of dry eye syndrome and all diseases characterized by ocular dryness (or xerosis). Hyaluronic acid is often part of the formulation of antibiotic ointments to promote healing in a short time and reduce symptoms while keeping the eye hydrated.
Lipoic acid
- Ophthalmic ointment prepared with black currant oil, lipoic acid, hyaluronic acid, bisabolol (eg Omegalid)
This substance is also used as an active ingredient in the preparation of ophthalmic ointments. Precisely by virtue of its antioxidant properties, lipoic acid applied directly to the eye is recommended in the treatment of glaucoma and cataracts. It is also indicated in the treatment of eyelid irritations in general (blepharitis).
Antihistamines
- Ketotifen (eg. Ketoftil)
- Emedastine (eye drops)
- Olopatadine (eye drops)
Although indicated for the treatment of allergic conjunctivitis, antihistamine ophthalmic ointments are generally replaced by antiallergic eye drops, because they are more practical to use.
Antihistamine principles are indicated to treat symptoms such as intense itching and eye irritation related mainly to allergic events.
Antibiotics
- Gentamicin (eg Ribomicin, Genticol)
- Chlortetracycline (eg. Aureomycin)
- Tobramycin (eg. Tobral)
The ophthalmic ointments enriched with antibiotic active ingredients are indicated in the treatment of all infectious forms of the eye, such as in particular bacterial conjunctivitis, infectious sty and infectious uveitis.
The formulation of the ophthalmic ointment is often enriched with other active ingredients, such as hyaluronic acid, corticosteroids or simple analgesics (NSAIDs) for symptom control.
Antivirals
- aciclovir (e.g. Acyvir, ophthalmic ointment)
- Hydroxuridine (eg. Iducher)
The ointments formulated with antiviral drugs are indicated in the treatment of viral conjunctivitis sustained in particular by Herpes simplex and Herpes zoster.
Unless otherwise indicated by a doctor, do not use these types of ophthalmic ointments at the same time in combination with corticosteroid drugs (for topical application). Such behavior could cause serious injuries to the internal ocular structures.
Cortisones
- Dexamethasone (eg Tobradex, Luxazone)
- Hydrocortisone (eg. Hydracemi)
- Hydrocortisone + Neomycin (eg. Hydracemi Ophthalmic Ointment)
Cortisones are powerful anti-inflammatories which, while not acting on the triggering 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 marked inflammation, the doctor tends to prescribe a product formulated with both active antibiotics and corticosteroid drugs.
Do not abuse: respect the posology (dosage) indicated by the doctor.
NSAIDs (Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs)
- Naproxen
- Ibuprofen
- Ketoprofen
The ophthalmic ointments with anti-inflammatory action are indicated for all ocular disorders associated with moderate pain and inflammation. In general, ophthalmic ointments and analgesic eye drops are indicated to speed up healing in the context of viral conjunctivitis.
Mydriatics
- Atropine (eg. Atropi S FN)
- Cyclopentolate (eg. Ciclolux)
This type of ophthalmic ointment is indicated in the treatment of infections and inflammations of the eyes. In the presence of uveitis, eye drops and ophthalmic ointments with mydriatic action are indicated to prevent the formation of posterior sinechiae (pathological adhesions that form in the internal structures of the "eye).
Omega 3 and omega 6
- Ophthalmic ointment formulated with antioxidant, soothing and omega 3 and 6 substances (eg Omegalid)
Indicated for the well-being of the eyelids and the periocular area in the presence of general eyelid irritative disorders. As we know, omega 3 and omega 6 reduce the predisposition of the organism to inflammatory states, including phlogosis (inflammation) at the ocular level.
Retinol (vitamin A)
- Vitan (ophthalmic ointment formulated with retinol)
Retinol, a substance used in this case as a restorative, 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 (eyelid inflammation), keratitis (inflammation of the cornea) and corneal ulcers.
To complete the 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 needed, supplement the diet with vitamin A supplementation by mouth.
Soothing and lubricating substances
- Ophthalmic ointments prepared with liquid paraffin (eg Duratirs, Lacrilube ophthalmic ointment)
- Chamomile extract
To help improve symptoms of eye redness or irritation, ophthalmic ointments prepared with soothing substances (eg bisabolol) and lubricants (eg petroleum jelly) are undoubtedly indicated. It is recommended to apply this type of ophthalmic ointment in the evening before bedtime: these drugs can induce a temporary blurring of vision.
