Introduction
While traditional medicine is an important part of African culture and healing systems, using traditional eye medications—especially unregulated ones—can pose serious risks to eye health. Here are the main dangers:
1. Contamination and Infection
- Many traditional eye medications are made from herbs, animal products, or unclean water, which may harbor bacteria, fungi, or viruses.
- This can lead to eye infections such as conjunctivitis, corneal ulcers, or even endophthalmitis (a severe inner eye infection).
2. Delayed Proper Treatment
- People often use traditional eye meds instead of seeing a qualified eye doctor, delaying the diagnosis and treatment of serious conditions like glaucoma, cataracts, or retinal disease.
- This delay can cause permanent vision loss.
3. Toxic Reactions
- Some traditional substances are chemically harmful to the delicate eye tissue, causing:
- Chemical burns
- Corneal opacity (clouding)
- Chronic inflammation
- Blindness
4. Allergic Reactions
- Natural substances can trigger severe allergic reactions, such as swelling, redness, pain, and tearing.
- In some cases, this leads to permanent damage to the eye structures.
5. Lack of Dosage Control
6. Increased Risk of Blindness
- Studies in Africa have shown that many cases of preventable blindness are linked to the use of harmful traditional eye remedies.
Common Harmful Substances Used
- Urine, breast milk, lemon juice, plant sap, charcoal, and ashes have all been used as eye treatments—many of which can damage the cornea or cause infection.
What to Do Instead
- Visit a certified eye clinic or ophthalmologist for any eye problem.
- Educate communities about the risks of traditional eye practices.
- Encourage safe and hygienic eye.