Cleaning:

01. Wash your hands thoroughly and wear gloves.
02. Position the person comfortably, either sitting or in a supine position, and tilt their head back slightly.
03. Using a clean swab or tissue, wipe gently from the inner corner of the eye (nasal side) to the outer corner.
04. Use a new swab or tissue for each wipe.
05. For sticky or encrusted eyelids, repeat the cleaning process until all discharge is removed.

Applying Ointment/Drops:

01. Ensure the area around the eye is clean.
02. With one hand, gently pull the lower eyelid away from the eye to create a pocket.
03. Squeeze a ribbon of ointment or drop of liquid into this pocket, keeping the tube or dropper tip from touching the eye or eyelid.
04. Ask the person to close their eyes for a minute or two without squeezing them.
05. Wipe off any excess medication with a clean tissue.