Can breast milk be used as eye drops?

The Use of Breast Milk as Eye Drops: A Closer Look
In recent years, the idea of using breast milk as a remedy for various ailments has gained traction, particularly among new parents. One of the more intriguing applications is the use of breast milk as eye drops, especially for infants suffering from eye discharge or infections. But how effective and safe is this practice?
Efficacy in Treating Eye Discharge
Research indicates that breast milk can be an effective treatment for eye discharge in infants. A study published in a medical journal found that breast milk (BM) was no less effective than standard ophthalmic solutions (OS) for infants aged six months or younger with eye discharge. This suggests that breast milk could be considered a viable first-line treatment for such conditions in this age group. The natural antibodies and nutrients present in breast milk may help combat infections and promote healing.
Traditional and Folk Remedies
The use of breast milk as a folk remedy for eye issues is not new. Many cultures have long believed in the therapeutic properties of breast milk, often using it to treat various ailments, including eye infections. This practice is rooted in the understanding that breast milk contains immunoglobulins and other protective factors that can aid in fighting infections. However, while anecdotal evidence supports its use, scientific backing remains limited.
Safety Considerations
Despite its potential benefits, the safety of using breast milk as eye drops is a topic of debate. While many parents report positive outcomes, health professionals urge caution. The consensus is that while breast milk may provide some relief, it should not replace medical treatment, especially in cases of serious infections like conjunctivitis. Experts recommend consulting a healthcare provider before using breast milk for eye issues, particularly for infants.
Conclusion: A Mixed Bag of Evidence
In summary, while breast milk shows promise as a treatment for eye discharge in infants, it is essential to approach this remedy with caution. The effectiveness of breast milk as eye drops is supported by some studies, but it is not universally accepted as a standard treatment. Parents considering this option should weigh the potential benefits against the need for professional medical advice, ensuring that their child’s health remains the top priority.

Can breastmilk clear eye discharge?

Results: The number of patients improved eye discharge was 119/155 (76.8%) and 119/157 (75.8%) in BM and OS groups, respectively. There were no significant differences between groups. The improvement score in eye discharge was 1.76 ± 0.91 in the BM group and 1.71 ± 0.96 in the OS group.

Can breast milk cure eye infection in adults?

Can I use breast milk for pink eye? Breastmilk could be more harmful than helpful for pink eye. One of the few studies on whether breast milk can fight infections found that it didn’t cure the most common causes of pink eye — and worse, breastmilk can introduce new bacteria into the eye and cause serious infection.

Can breast milk help a scratched eye?

In mouse models, we observed that human breast milk treated eyes showed improved rate of re-epithelialization at 8 hrs post wounding over saline treatment. Application of human breast milk leads to significantly increased numbers of Ki-67+ cells, suggesting that components in HBM enhance cellular proliferation.

Is breast milk good for the eyes?

Medical Research Concerning Breast Milk
However, breast milk is not effective against all bacterial eye infections. In addition, it typically does not eradicate the infection, but only seems to suppress it. If your infant’s eye infection goes untreated, they could develop long-term eye damage.

Can milk help irritated eyes?

Itching, redness, and swelling are a few symptoms of sore eyes that milk and honey can help with because they are calming and anti-inflammatory. It is not advised to put this home remedy directly in the eye.

Is breast milk good for dry eyes?

Human milk contains components previously investigated and proven to be effective in other dry eye studies: EGF, vitamin A, lactoferrin, oligosaccharides, and omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids [6-10].

Is it okay to put milk in your eye?

“It’s hard to keep sterile especially now in the hot weather.” That means bacteria can contaminate the milk and potentially cause infection if applied to eyes or skin wounds. Jordt says it’s better to use water or saline solutions to wash out eyes after a tear-gas attack.

What is the fastest way to cure an eye infection?

The quickest and the fastest way to cure an eye infection depends on the kind and severity of the infection. Treatments like antibiotic eye drops, ointments or antiviral medications may be prescribed by the healthcare specialist to have your infection cured quickly.

Is it safe to put milk in my eyes?

“It’s hard to keep sterile especially now in the hot weather.” That means bacteria can contaminate the milk and potentially cause infection if applied to eyes or skin wounds. Jordt says it’s better to use water or saline solutions to wash out eyes after a tear-gas attack.

Can I use breast milk as eye drops?

Filled with antibodies, vitamins, and minerals breastmilk can work wonders on your young infant’s body. Try placing a drop or two of breast milk directly into the inner portion of your baby’s eyes while they are closed— once they open their eyes, the milk will fall into the eyes and work to clear up any infection.