Lubricant Eye Gel/Ointments

What is this medication for?

Lubricant Eye Gel/Ointments are applied to the eyes to relieve or prevent eye discomfort due to dryness. 

They may be prescribed by your doctor, recommended by pharmacists or purchased off the shelves.

Often, they are used in combination with or in place of lubricant eyedrops before bed.  

Dry eyes may be caused by factors such as age, dry windy environments, prolonged screen time or contact lens usage.  They may also be worsened by medical conditions (e.g. diabetes), certain medications (e.g. antihistamines for runny nose) or certain eye surgeries (e.g. LASIK/cataract). 

Eventually, dry eyes may cause discomfort such as:  

• Burning/stinging feeling in the eyes 

• Foreign body sensation (e.g. feeling like there is sand or dirt in the eyes) 

• Tired eyes 

• Blurry vision 

• Excessive tearing 

• Increased sensitivity to light 

Lubricant eye gel/ointments are more viscous (thicker) than lubricant eyedrops and may soothe dry eye symptoms better for longer periods of time. They can also be used after lubricant eyedrops.  

How should I take or use this medication?

To use the eye gel/ointment:

• Wash your hands with soap and water 

• Read & follow the instructions on the label if applicable  

• While seated, tilt your head backwards and look up. You may also lie down  

• Using your index finger, gently pull down the lower eyelid to form a pocket and instill a rice-grain-sized amount of gel/ointment into the eye. Make sure the tip does not touch the eye or any other surface to avoid contamination.  

• Wipe off any excess product with a clean tissue. Do not squeeze your eye. Blink gently  

• Keep your eyes closed and press down gently on the inner corner of your eye for 1 to 2 minutes to allow the medicine to be absorbed  

You may use them as often as you need since these eye preparations are not medicated. These products generally do not have a maximum dosage.

For more details on how to apply eye gel/ointments, click on this link for a step-by-step guide. 

What should I do if I forget to take or use this medication?

 If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember.  

Most eye lubricants can be used only when necessary to relieve your symptoms

You can stop using it when you have no symptoms, unless your doctor has advised you to use it in a certain manner.  

Consult your doctor if you have been prescribed eye lubricants and are unsure on how to use them. 

What precautions should I take when taking or using this medication?

Inform your healthcare professional if: 

• You are allergic to this eye gel/ointment or any of the other ingredients of this product 

• You are using any other eye preparations 

• You are wearing contact lenses. (You will need a preservative-free option if you are using them while wearing lenses) 

If you have any questions about this medication, please discuss with your healthcare professional. 

What are some common side effects of this medication? ​

Blurring of vision 

• Do not drive or operate any machinery until normal vision returns. The blurring is temporary and expected due to the stickiness of the eye gel/ointment. Normal vision should return within 15 minutes. 

What are some rare but serious side-effects that I need to seek medical advice immediately? 

The symptoms of a drug allergy include one or more of the following: 

• Swollen face/eyes/lips/tongue
• Difficulty in breathing
• Itchy skin rashes around your eyes or over your whole body

If you experience any of these symptoms, you should stop your gel/ointment and see your healthcare professional immediately.

How should I store this medication?

Store in a cool and dry place, away from direct sunlight. Keep this medication away from children.

How do I throw away this medication safely? ​

Pack this medication into a black trash bag and seal it tightly before throwing into the rubbish chute or bin. 

When should i throw away this medication? 

Discard the tube 1 month after opening. 

Always refer to the manufacturer's instructions for the most accurate instructions.