Systane Nighttime Lubricant Eye Ointment

Vaseline, more or less. 

Which ointment to choose? There are lots of ointments on the market, and they're all made of the same stuff mostly - white petrolatum and mineral oil. The main thing that distinguishes one product from another is the proportions of those two ingredients. Systane and Genteal ointments are 94% white petrolatum and only 3% mineral oil.

For plenty of people the differences may not matter, but certainly I've noticed some over the years who find that the proportions matter for their purposes, so comparison shopping can be helpful.

Should I be using ointment at all? Ointments are attractive for overnight use due to their staying power - unlike polymer drops and gel drops, they don't just dissolve and dissipate in a short time. However, not everyone who has moderate to severe overnight dry eye symptoms therefore has to use an ointment. Many people can get by with a less viscous (not to mention non-greasy!) lubricant, such as a polymer gel or even gel drop, if they also use some kind of night protection (shield, mask, goggle, etc.). 

SYSTANE® Nighttime Lubricant Eye Ointment is a safe and effective formulation with no preservatives. This unpreserved ointment, when applied to the eyes, forms a smooth, comfortable protective film, especially useful for nighttime protection and lubricant of dry eyes.

Drug Facts (from manufacturer's site):

Active Ingredients / Purpose
Mineral Oil 3% / Lubricant
White Petrolatum 94% / Lubricant

Uses

For use as a lubricant to prevent further irritation or to relieve dryness of the eye.

Warnings

For external use onlyDo not use

if you are sensitive to any ingredient in this product

When using this product 

remove contact lenses before using

to avoid contamination, do not touch tip of container to any surface

replace cap after using

Stop use and ask a doctor if

you feel eye pain

changes in vision occur

redness or irritation of the eye(s) gets worse, persists or lasts more than 72 hours

Keep out of reach of children.

If swallowed, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center right away.

Directions

Pull down the lower lid of the affected eye and apply a small amount (one-fourth inch) of ointment to the inside of the eyelid.

Other information

Store at 8°-27°C (46°-80°F).

Inactive Ingredients

Anhydrous Liquid Lanolin 3%.

Questions?

In the U.S., call 1-800-757-9195.
www.systane.com