Here is your short essay on Eye Ointments

Ophthalmic ointments are ointments meant for application to the eye. It can be used to obtain the effect of a variety of medicaments on the outside and edges of the eyelids, the conjunctiva, the cornea and the iris. It contains sterilized ingredients packed under rigid aseptic conditions and meets the requirements of the official sterility tests.

Ophthalmic ointments must contain a suitable substance or mixture of substances to prevent growth of or to destroy, microorganisms accidentally introduced when the container is opened during use. The medicinal agent is added to the ointment base either as a solution or as a micronized powder.

The finished ointment must be free from large particles. Most ophthalmic ointments are prepared with a base of white petroleum and mineral oil often with anhydrous lanolin.

Container

1. Ointments are packed in collapsible metal or plastic tubes or in single dose containers.

2. Plastic tubes are used for some proprietary formulations of eye ointments.

3. Certain proprietary formulations of eye ointments are available in single dose containers, elongated, flexible gelatin capsule with one end constructed and are opened by cutting off the constructed end with sterile scissors.

Labeling

The label on the tube or outer sealed envelop should state that the contents are sterile provided that the container has not been opened. Other information should be similar as discussed for eye drops.

Eye Lotions

Eye lotions are sterile aqueous solutions for first aid purposes over a maximum period of twenty four hours without bactericide. In another words, eye lotions are aqueous solutions for intermittent domiciliary administration for up to seven days having bactericide.

Eye lotions are usually applied with an eye bath, for first aid purposes only hence it has limited use nowadays but may be prescribed e.g., sodium bicarbonate eye lotion is used for the emergency treatment of acid burns of the eye and is popular as Factory eye drops No.2. Sodium chloride is an isotonic solution which is occasionally used for irrigating the eye.

Containers

Eye lotions are dispensed in colored fluted bottle closed with a screw-cap. It is important to ensure that the liner of the screw cap is not covered by cork as it may be a source of microbial contamination. Rubber or plastics liners are suitable and the screw cap may be either of metal or plastics. Uncolored or non-fluted bottles may be used if a suitable colored, fluted bottle is not available.

Labeling

Following information is stated on the eye lotion label

1. ‘For External use only’.

2. Discard any lotion remaining after use when the seal is first broken.

3. Eye lotions which are issued for domiciliary purposes should be labeled to indicate-

4. Not to be used more than 24 h. ( without bactericide)

5. Not to be used more than 7 days (with bactericide)