Optimmune Eye Ointment

Optimmune Eye Ointment

Optimmune is an eye ointment containing cyclosporin and is used to treat recurrent conjunctivitis resulting from autoimmune disease of the eye in dogs. These include Dry Eye (keratoconjunctivitis sicca or KCS) and Pannus (chronic superficial keratits).

What is conjunctivitis in dogs?

Conjunctivitis (dry eye syndrome) is an uncomfortable but common condition in dogs which causes severe drying and inflammation of the cornea.  Tears are important for keeping dogs' eyes healthy providing lubrication and nourishment.  When tear levels are low, thick often itchy, yellow/green discharge can develop around the eyes and this reappears after being wiped away.

How to use Optimmune Eye Ointment

Precautions: Avoid contact with the skin, wear gloves and wash hands after use.
Remove any excessive discharge from the eye prior to application

Step by Step Application:

1 - Squeeze the tube to gently expel the air inside.  There is usually a small amount of Optimmune in the nozzle. The first time the tube is squeezed, the product is usually ejected suddenly and a small amount may be lost. If you are aware that this will happen and are careful, the loss can be minimised. Squeeze out the air very gently until the product shows at the nozzle and the tube appears two-thirds empty. This will avoid excess wastage.

2 - Use only the equivalent of the top section of a ballpoint pen or a short grain of rice ie 3mm. This is the licensed dose and will provide the optimum clinical effects with maximum economy.

3 - The best method of application is to wipe a small amount onto the underside of the upper eyelid. The ointment base is an excellent lubricant and it will spread over the eye when your dog blinks.

4 - The tube should be kept at room temperature. If it is too warm the base becomes oily and it is difficult to get the recommended dose. You can put the tube in the fridge for 10 - 15 minutes to firm it up which seems to work well. However, if it is in the fridge too long it becomes semi-solid and may result in the tube bursting.

5 - Don't roll up the tube during use to get that last drop out. You may end up with cracked tubes and wastage.

6 - You should throw any unused product away four weeks after opening. This is a recommendation for all eye products in order to maintain sterility. Some vets will advise using a tube for six weeks, but no longer. This restriction is in place because Optimmune does not contain any preservatives or antimicrobials. Adding these would alter the composition and action of the product.

7 - 12 hourly dosing is ideal. It is worth while keeping treatments evenly spaced as Optimmune often works better twice daily than just once. Some clients have reported that a tube can last for six weeks when dosing both eyes twice a day.

Optimmune for dogs is a prescription item, please follow the instructions given by your vet.