Lacri-lube ointment

About Lacri-lube ointment

Lacri-Lube Uses

• Relief of dryness and irritation in severe dry eye
• Overnight lubrication for eyes that stay dry despite regular drops
• Protection of the eye surface after certain eye procedures
• Support for eyes that cannot fully close during sleep
• Soothing of burning or gritty sensations caused by dryness

Lacri-Lube Benefits

• Forms a long lasting protective layer over the eye surface
• Reduces friction between the eyelid and the eye during sleep
• Provides longer relief overnight compared to thinner eye drops
• Does not need repeated reapplication through the night

What Experts Say

Ophthalmologists commonly recommend a thick, petrolatum based ointment like Lacri-Lube for patients whose dry eye is severe enough that regular drops evaporate or wash away too quickly to give lasting relief, especially overnight when blinking naturally stops for many hours at a stretch.

In cities like Lahore and Karachi, long hours in air conditioned offices, dusty outdoor air and extended screen time all contribute to dry, irritated eyes, and doctors often suggest this ointment specifically at bedtime since it blurs vision temporarily and is not meant for daytime use before driving or focused reading.

Because this is a lubricant rather than a drug with a pharmacological action inside the body, doctors describe it as a supportive comfort measure. Any redness, pain or vision change that does not improve should still prompt a proper eye examination rather than relying on the ointment alone to fix it.

Drug Class

• Ophthalmic lubricant
• Emollient eye ointment

Lacri-lube ointment formula

• Chlorobutanol
• White Petrolatum

Available forms

• Eye Ointment

How to use Lacri-lube ointment?

• Hands should be washed before applying this ointment
• A small amount is placed inside the lower eyelid, usually at bedtime
• Blinking a few times after application helps spread the ointment evenly
• Contact lenses are usually removed before this ointment is used
• The tube tip should not touch the eye or any other surface
• Driving or other tasks needing clear vision should wait until vision clears

Drug Interactions

• Other eye drops: Since Lacri-Lube is not absorbed into the bloodstream, it has minimal systemic drug interactions, though other drops are usually applied first and this ointment applied last.
• Contact lens solutions: Using this ointment together with lenses is generally avoided unless a doctor advises otherwise.

Risks and warnings

• Temporary blurred vision: Vision is often blurry right after application, so this ointment is best used at bedtime.
• Eye infection: A doctor should be consulted before use if the eye is actively infected or unusually red and painful.
• Contact lens wear: Lenses should be removed before applying this ointment unless a doctor advises otherwise.
• Contamination risk: Letting the tip touch the eye or hands can introduce bacteria into the tube.

Lacri-Lube Side Effects

• Temporary blurred vision
• Mild stinging on application
• Eyelids feeling sticky on waking
• Occasional eye irritation
• Mild redness
• A greasy or filmy feeling in the eye

Storage Conditions

• Room temperature storage away from heat is recommended
• The tube cap should be closed tightly after every use
• An opened tube is usually discarded after the period stated on the label
• Keep out of reach of children.