Ophthalmologists have warned Nigerians against the use of breast milk and cow urine to treat eye infections and diseases.
According to them, the trend is unsafe and can cause stronger eye issues including blindness by introducing harmful bacteria, worsens infections, and can delay access to proper treatment.
Dr. Festus Oshoba, Chief Consultant Ophthalmologist said such belief is due to cultural myths and misinformation.
He stressed that breast milk, though nutritious for infants, is not sterile and is unsuitable for ocular use, while cow urine carries even greater risks due to its high microbial load.
The eye doctor stated this during the 26th Annual Faculty of Ophthalmology Lecture of the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria.
At the event, stakeholders in Nigeria’s eye care sector gathered to discuss the theme; ‘Force Majeure, Masquerades and The Attainment of Universal Eye Care in Nigeria’.
Oshoba further advises anyone with eye issues to visit a proper eye hospital/doctor to seek immediate help describing he practice as dangerous and unscientific.
He said; “People should stop dangerous and unscientific eye care practices, such as the use of breast milk, cow urine, or the use of camphor in treating common eye ailments.
“People should protect their eyes from the sun’s harsh rays using sunshades or photochromatic lenses to prevent cataracts and other ocular damage.”
While he warned against corporal punishments that come close to the eye especially in children, Oshoba urged regular eye screening in individuals.
He urged everyone to make use of a calendar or chart at home to self-check vision daily.
He added; “The moment you can’t read what you used to see clearly, visit your doctor.
“Many of these cases are due to conditions like glaucoma, diabetes, or brain tumours, not spiritual attacks.”
He further urged reduced screen time especially especially for digital device users, and encouraged all to get regular eye tests and corrective lenses to improve productivity.
Discussing the rate at which doctors are leaving Nigeria (Japa syndrome) as raised by a Professor of Ophthalmology at University College Hospital Ibadan, Professor Charles Bekibele, Oshoba lamented that the number of eye doctors in Nigeria is inadequate.
“We currently have just 454 ophthalmologists for over 220 million Nigerians. That’s grossly inadequate for universal eye care,” he said.
Bekibele who doubles as the chairman at the Faculty of Ophthalmology, National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria lamented that the University College Hospital, Ibadan which had 30 residents 5 years ago barely has 5 residents now.
“We currently have no simulator in Nigeria for cataract surgery. It’s like training a pilot without a flight simulator. You can imagine the risk,” he cried out.
He called on the government and private stakeholders to invest in training tools and offer incentives that encourage young doctors to stay.
Meanwhile, the Chancellor of Ekiti State University, Dr. Olatunji Olowolafe, announced a donation of $9,800 to acquire a surgical simulator to train future ophthalmologists and ensure diagnostic excellence.
