When administering eye ointments, where should the ointment be placed?

When administering eye ointments, placing the ointment inside the lower eyelid is the appropriate technique. This method allows for effective delivery of the medication directly onto the conjunctiva, where it can be absorbed into the eye. The lower eyelid forms a small pouch that can hold the ointment, ensuring it remains in contact with the eye's surface and enhances absorption.

Administering the ointment on the eyelid directly can lead to uneven distribution and may not effectively treat the intended area. Placing it on the eyelashes would also be ineffective, as it could prevent proper absorption and may cause it to wash away too quickly. Similarly, putting the ointment near the corner of the eye does not target the area that needs treatment and could lead to inadvertent contact with drainage areas of the eye, reducing the medication's efficacy. Thus, the technique of placing the ointment inside the lower eyelid is the most effective and recommended practice for medication administration in the eye.