A remedy for eye swelling: What you need to know about Sodium Chloride Ointment

Sometimes your eyes become swollen, red, and uncomfortable. At such times, a doctor may give you a medicine, perhaps an ointment, to put in your eye. One such medicine that is used to reduce eye swelling is the eye ointment we are talking about today called Sodium Chloride. This can usually come under brand names like Muro 128. So, if you have to use this medicine, it is very important to know everything about it.

What really happens with this medicine?

Simply put, this is a medicine that contains a hypertonic saline solution. Think about it, swelling occurs when excess water accumulates in the cornea, the transparent part of the eye. When this Sodium Chloride ointment is applied to the eye, it draws out that excess water. It's like adding salt to pickles, which reduces the water content of vegetables. In this way, the main function of this medicine is to reduce the excess fluid in the eye tissues, control the swelling, and reduce the discomfort and blurred vision you feel.

Things you need to tell your doctor before using the medicine

Before your doctor prescribes this medication, there are a few things you need to know. Be sure to mention these things. This information will help your doctor decide whether this medication is right for you or not.

• If you have recently noticed any changes in your vision .
• If you have an infection or injury in your eye .
• If you are a contact lens wearer .
• If you have any allergic reactions to this medicine (Sodium Chloride) or any other medicine, food, or dye.
• If you are pregnant or hoping to become pregnant .
• If you are a breastfeeding mother .

How do you apply this ointment to the eye correctly?

This is very easy, but it needs to be done neatly and cleanly. Let's see how to do it.

1. Wash your hands: First, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water, then dry them with a clean cloth. This is very important, otherwise germs on your hands can get into your eyes.

2. Prepare: Tilt your head back slightly and look up. Now, gently pull down your lower eyelid with your index finger. This will create a small pouch between your eyelid and your eye.

3. Apply the medicine: Hold the ointment tube in your other hand and do not let the tube's mouth touch your eye, your fingertips, or anywhere else. This is very important to stop germs from entering. Now gently squeeze the tip of the tube and apply a small amount (about 1 centimeter long strip) to the inside of your lower eyelid.

4. Close your eye: Slowly close your eye and allow the medicine to spread well for about a minute. Do not close your eye tightly, just close it slowly.

5. Clean: If some ointment comes out of the eye, gently wipe it away with a clean tissue.

6. Wash your hands again: After applying the medicine, wash your hands thoroughly again.

Most importantly: Do not use more than the doctor has prescribed. Also, even if your condition improves, take the medicine for the full duration prescribed by the doctor. Do not stop halfway.

Things to remember when using the medicine

What to do if you miss a dose or take too much?

If you miss a dose: Don't worry. Take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is very close to your next dose (for example, it is two or three hours away), skip the missed dose and take the next dose at the scheduled time. Never take two doses at once.

If you overdose: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine, do not panic and go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU) immediately. Alternatively, it is best to call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital for advice.

What are the possible side effects?

Like any medicine, this one can cause minor side effects in some people. But there's nothing to worry about. Let's see what they are, and when we should see a doctor.

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