new cat owner- need help with eye problem

I found a stray kitten in my backyard, about 1 month old. It had both eyes crusted shut, so I took it to the vet and they cleaned them out and gave me ointment to give it. Now that I'm home with it, I have found it quite difficult to get the eyes cleaned out. He keeps struggling and I'm afraid I'm going to hurt it. I have been using a wet paper towel to try and get the gunk out of his eyes. Getting the ointment in is a little easier but still challenging. Am I going to hurt his eyes by doing this with the paper towel?

Also since I've had him home, I haven't seen him drink any water. He ate a little food last night, but nothing since. I will be thankful for any advice at this point because this is new to me and I'm not too sure what I am doing.

I don't have any advise for you but I'm sure someone will come along soon that will be able to answer your questions.
I just wanted to say good for you for taking in this poor little cat and helping him. You have a huge heart and he's lucky to have found you.

Best of luck,
Susie

Firstly, welcome to TCS!

In regards to bathing the kitty's eye, I tend to use cotton wool soaked in warm salt water (boil the kettle, add salt to a cup and add the water to a cup with about a tea spoon of salt. Stir until dissolved and wait for it to cool to a tepid temperature)

Are you feeding kitty wet food? This provides a lot of moisture for kitty, but I would have kitty checked out by a vet to check that there are no other issues!