I personally can't say if that's normal or not, as I've never had an eye issue like that. However, I'm not surprised that there was no instant cure like simply popping off a stack of stuck caps. Did the doc say what he thinks is going on? What, exactly, is the ointment for? Is it supposed to loosen old, stuck caps?

Whatever it is, I do hope it all works out and the snake's eyes are able to heal properly.