Ganciclovir Eye Preparations

Ganciclovir eye preparations may be available in the form of eye drop or eye gel.

• Proper use of eye drop
• Wash your hands with soap and water, and read the instructions on the label.
• Tilt your head backwards and look up.
• Gently pull the lower eyelid down to form a pocket and squeeze the bottle to apply one drop into your eye. To prevent the tip of the bottle from getting dirty, make sure the tip does not touch the eye or any other surface.
• Close your eyes gently and wipe off any excess eye drops around your eyes with a clean tissue.
• Keep your eyes closed and press down gently on the inner corner of your eye for 1 to 2 minutes to allow the medication to be absorbed.
• If you need to use more than 1 drop of medication, or if you are using another type of eye drop, wait at least 5 to 10 minutes before applying the next eye drop. This is to prevent the first drop of medication from being washed away by the second drop before it has time to work. This also prevents any medication interactions between different eye drops.
• If your doctor prescribed both eye drops and eye ointments, you should use the eye drops first.
• Click on this link for a step-by-step guide on how to apply eye drops https://www.singhealth.com.sg/patient-care/medicine/how-to-instil-eye-drops

• If you are given an eye gel, it may be applied in the same way as an eye ointment. Click on this link for a step-by-step guide on how to apply eye ointment https://www.singhealth.com.sg/patient-care/medicine/how-to-apply-eye-ointment
• DO NOT wear contact lenses during your medication treatment and until the infection has cleared.
• Do not stop using your medication without checking with your healthcare professional.
• Ganciclovir eye preparations are prescribed for your current eye condition only. Do not reuse or exceed the prescribed duration of treatment.

​If you forget to use a dose, use it as soon as you remember. Then use your next dose at the usual time. Do not use two doses to make up for the missed dose.