You are counseling a patient on eye ointments. When is the best time to apply the ointment?

Applying eye ointments before bed is considered the best practice because it allows the medication to remain in contact with the eye surface for an extended period, thus maximizing its therapeutic effect during the night when the patient is less likely to blink. This overnight application helps enhance absorption and effectiveness, as the ointment can coat the eye and provide continuous relief from symptoms such as dryness or irritation without interference from normal activities or blinking.

In contrast, application at times such as in the afternoon or right before inserting contact lenses can lead to less effective dosing or possible complications. For instance, using ointment in the afternoon may not provide prolonged relief, while applying it right before putting on contact lenses could impact vision temporarily, as the ointment can blur vision and interfere with the lenses. Applying the ointment at any time during the day does not take advantage of the unguarded hours at night when the eye can fully benefit from the medication without disruption from activities.