Doctors prescribe erythromycin eye ointment to treat or prevent certain eye conditions. Though the medicated ointment may cause some blurriness to the user's vision, the medication does not usually cause significant side effects. The blurry vision will clear as the ointment dissolves and disperses in the eye. As a result of the thick consistency of erythromycin ointment, the medication stays in the eye longer than an eye drop, making this a commonly prescribed medication that has a variety of uses.
Prevention
Mothers who have bacteria or viruses may infect their babies during a vaginal birth. This may occur even if the mother does not have symptoms or an active infection or virus. These conditions may cause an eye infection in the infant, called neonatal conjunctivitis. Symptoms may include a thick discharge, watery eyes and redness. To prevent the infection, a short time after birth, the doctor may apply a small amount of erythromycin eye ointment to the newborn's eyes. The infant will not require additional doses. Some hospitals may use an eye drop called silver nitrate instead, though the drop may cause irritation or side effects, which makes erythromycin the prevention method of choice.
Conjunctivitis
In addition to prevention of infection, doctors often prescribe erythromycin eye ointment to treat active eye infections. Depending on the severity of the infection and the patient's age, the dosing will vary. In most cases, for both children and adults, the patient will use the ointment around six times a day, says MayoClinic.com. If a user forgets a dose of the ointment, she should use the medication as soon as possible; if it's close to the next scheduled dose, however, she should continue on her regular schedule.
Blepharitis
Blepharitis causes inflammation in the eyelids, typically resulting in dandruff-like flakes along the eyelashes. Eyelids may itch and appear red. In some people the eyes will feel sandy, as though the eye has something in it. Doctors encourage washing the eyelids and eyelashes with a mixture of baby shampoo, or other gentle soap, and water. In addition, treatment may include a small amount of erythromycin ointment used at bedtime for a month, says the Indiana University School of Medicine. Lid hygiene and ointment application may help control the condition, though some people may require oral medication as well.
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