What is a major advantage of drugs in ointments or gels compared to eye drops?

Drugs formulated in ointments or gels offer a significant advantage over eye drops primarily due to their longer retention time on the eye's surface. When applied, ointments or gels tend to adhere more effectively to the eyelid and the ocular surface, creating a protective barrier that helps prolong drug exposure. This can enhance therapeutic effects, as the medication is available for a more extended period, allowing for better absorption and reducing the frequency of application.

The prolonged contact time helps to improve the efficacy of the treatment, particularly for conditions that require sustained medication delivery to the ocular surface or eyelids. Additionally, this characteristic can be beneficial in managing dry eye conditions, where an extended tear film is desired.

While factors like cost, ease of application, and side effects are important considerations in medication choice, they do not pertain to the unique advantage of retention time that ointments and gels provide compared to eye drops.