After applying ointment to the eye, how long should a person close their eyes?

After applying ointment to the eye, it is recommended that a person should close their eyes for 2-3 minutes. This practice allows the medication to spread evenly across the surface of the eye and ensures proper absorption. Closing the eyes helps to create a seal that prevents the ointment from being washed away too quickly by tears or blinking, maximizing its effectiveness in treating the condition being addressed.

This timing is generally sufficient for the therapeutic effects to begin without causing discomfort or hindering daily activities. Longer durations, such as those mentioned in other options, could lead to unnecessary discomfort or a more pronounced tear response, which may wash away the medication before it has been adequately absorbed.