Can you use breast milk 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 eye issues, particularly in infants, has gained traction among parents and caregivers. This practice, often rooted in folk medicine, raises important questions about its efficacy and safety.
Efficacy in Treating Eye Discharge
Research indicates that breast milk (BM) may be effective in treating certain eye conditions, particularly in infants. A study published in *Acta Paediatrica* found that breast milk was no less effective than standard saline solutions in treating eye discharge in infants aged six months or younger. This suggests that breast milk could be considered a viable first-line treatment for such conditions. The protective components found in breast milk, including immunoglobulins, lactoferrin, and lysozyme, contribute to its potential therapeutic effects.
The Folk Remedy Perspective
Many parents have turned to breast milk as a home remedy for eye infections, such as conjunctivitis. The belief is that the natural antibodies and nutrients in breast milk can help combat bacterial infections. However, while anecdotal evidence supports this practice, it is essential to approach it with caution. Experts emphasize that while breast milk may provide some benefits, it should not replace professional medical treatment, especially in cases of severe infections.
Safety Concerns and Recommendations
Despite the potential benefits, there are significant safety concerns associated with using breast milk as eye drops. Medical professionals caution against arbitrary use, as improper application could lead to further irritation or complications. The consensus among healthcare providers is that while breast milk can be beneficial, it should not be the sole treatment for eye infections. Instead, parents are encouraged to seek medical advice when their child exhibits symptoms of an eye infection.
Conclusion: A Cautious Approach
In summary, while breast milk may offer some therapeutic benefits for treating eye discharge in infants, it is crucial to approach its use with caution. The evidence suggests that it can be effective, but it should not replace conventional medical treatments. Parents should always consult healthcare professionals when dealing with eye infections in their children to ensure safe and effective care.

Does breastmilk help with a clogged tear duct?

The antibodies in breastmilk can help fight off infections. Putting a few drops of breast milk can help clear your baby’s blocked tear duct, can help get rid of diaper rash, and even help with ear infections. It can even help adults too.

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.

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.

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.

How to apply breast milk to the eye?

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.

What happens if we apply milk under eyes?

Milk contains lactic acid and proteins that can soothe and brighten the skin. Applying cold milk to the under-eye area may help reduce puffiness and lighten dark circles, though it won’t completely remove them.

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 I drop breast milk in my baby’s eye?

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.

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.

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].