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Is breastmilk good for the eyes?

The Benefits of Breast Milk for Eye Health
Breast milk, often hailed for its nutritional benefits for infants, has also garnered attention for its potential applications in treating certain eye conditions. While the primary purpose of breast milk is to nourish babies, some parents have turned to it as a home remedy for eye issues, particularly conjunctivitis, commonly known as pink eye.
A Natural Antiseptic
Breast milk is a sterile liquid that contains a variety of antibodies and immune-boosting components. When it comes to eye infections, particularly conjunctivitis, some anecdotal evidence suggests that applying breast milk directly to the eye can help combat the infection. The antibodies present in breast milk may assist in fighting off the bacteria responsible for the infection, providing a natural alternative to conventional treatments.
A study published in a medical journal indicated that breast milk could be as effective as traditional eye drops for infants suffering from eye discharge. This research suggests that breast milk might serve as a viable first-line treatment for infants under six months old experiencing such symptoms. The findings highlight the potential of breast milk not just as a food source but also as a therapeutic agent in specific contexts.
Caution and Considerations
Despite these potential benefits, health professionals urge caution. While breast milk may provide some relief for minor eye infections, it is not a substitute for medical treatment. Experts recommend consulting a healthcare provider for any eye-related issues, especially in infants. Misuse of breast milk in the eyes can lead to complications, including corneal damage, if the underlying condition is not properly diagnosed and treated.
Moreover, while breast milk is generally safe, it is essential to ensure that it is expressed and stored correctly to maintain its sterility. Parents should be aware that not all eye conditions can be treated with breast milk, and relying solely on this remedy could delay necessary medical intervention.
Conclusion
In summary, breast milk may offer some benefits for treating minor eye infections in infants, particularly due to its antibacterial properties. However, it is crucial for parents to approach this remedy with caution and to seek professional medical advice for any significant eye issues. While breast milk can be a helpful tool in certain situations, it should not replace conventional medical treatments when they are needed.

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].

What is the benefit of milk under eyes?

It’s cool, soothing, and the lactic acid in cold milk will lighten your dark circles and help soothe the puffiness in your under eye bags really quickly. As a bonus, milk can also be a natural moisturizer and help in softening the skin! Here’s how you can use this trick.

What are the benefits of putting breast milk in baby eyes?

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 are 5 benefits of breast milk for babies?

Breastfeeding can help protect babies against some short- and long-term illnesses and diseases. Breastfed babies have a lower risk of asthma, obesity, type 1 diabetes, and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Breastfed babies are also less likely to have ear infections and stomach bugs.

Is breast milk good for adults’ eyes?

Medical Research Concerning Breast Milk
Surprisingly, medical studies have shown that the beneficial bacteria found in breast milk are effective against certain strains of gonorrhea that cause eye infections. However, breast milk is not effective against all bacterial eye infections.

Does putting milk in your eyes help?

“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.

Which milk is best for eyes?

Dairy foods including milk (especially from grass-fed cows) and yoghurt are rich in vitamin A and zinc. Vitamin A helps keep your corneas (the front part of your eye) clear and has an important role in helping you see at night. Meanwhile, zinc helps protect your retina (the back of your eyes), which detects light.

How do you clean your eyes with breast milk?

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 breast milk be used for eye infection?

In the study, participants whose babies had eye discharge were told to apply either breast milk or antibiotic drops to their baby’s eyes. The researchers found that both remedies worked equally well to clear up eye discharge in babies, and they suggested that breast milk might be a good solution for eye irritation.

Can breast milk be used as eye drops for babies?

Conclusions: This study demonstrated that BM is no less effective than OS in infants with eye discharge aged ≤6 months. The results suggested that the use of breast milk as eye drops could be considered as a first-line treatment for infants aged ≤6 months with eye discharge.

Natasha Lunn

Tash is an IBCLC and Business Coach helping fellow IBCLCs create fun, profitable businesses that are more than just an expensive hobby. Before becoming an IBCLC and starting her private practice - The Boobala, Tash graduated as an Osteopath in 2008 and has been in Private Practice in South West Sydney. She was also a volunteer Breastfeeding Counsellor and Community Educator with the Australian Breastfeeding Association for 6 years. Through her business, Your Lactation Biz, Tash coaches and creates products to help new and seasoned IBCLCs build businesses that suit their personality and lifestyle.

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