Senior eye care experts have cautioned Nigerians against the use of breast milk and cow urine as remedies for eye infections and diseases, warning that such practices could lead to serious complications, including blindness.
The ophthalmologists described the trend as unsafe, noting that applying unverified substances into the eyes introduces harmful bacteria, worsens infections, and delays access to proper treatment.
They 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.
A Chief Consultant Ophthalmologist, Dr. Festus Oshoba, said the use of such harmful remedies persists due to cultural myths and misinformation.
Oshoba made this known at the 26th Annual Faculty of Ophthalmology Lecture of the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria, where stakeholders in Nigeria’s eye care sector gathered to deliberate on the challenges and solutions to achieving universal eye care in the country.
He described the practice as “force majeure” factors, adding that the usage of harmful substances often worsens avoidable conditions.
The eye expert urged individuals experiencing eye discomfort or infections to seek prompt medical attention from certified eye care providers.
“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,” he advised while speaking on the theme ‘Force Majeure, Masquerades and The Attainment of Universal Eye Care in Nigeria’.
He also warned against violence or corporal punishment involving the face, especially for children, noting that even a slap could cause internal bleeding and blindness.
Beyond physical safety, Oshoba stressed regular eye screening, adding that screening is key to early diagnosis and treatment of preventable and curable conditions.
“Use a calendar or chart at home to self-check your vision daily. The moment you can’t read what you used to see clearly, visit your doctor,” the ophthalmologist said.
Oshoba referenced cultural misconceptions and spiritual interpretations of blindness and eye diseases, such as attributing loss of vision to curses.
“Many of these cases are due to conditions like glaucoma, diabetes, or brain tumours, not spiritual attacks,” he explained.
He further advocated for increased computer vision care, especially for digital device users, and encouraged workers to get regular eye tests and corrective lenses to improve productivity.
Addressing a pressing systemic challenge, Oshoba lamented the acute shortage of trained ophthalmologists in Nigeria.
“We currently have just 454 ophthalmologists for over 220 million Nigerians. That’s grossly inadequate for universal eye care,” he said.
A Professor of Ophthalmology at University College Hospital Ibadan, Professor Charles Bekibele, raised concerns about Nigeria’s brain drain crisis, popularly dubbed the “Japa” syndrome.
According to him, the economic downturn is driving young doctors away, stalling training, and weakening the future of ophthalmic care in the country.
“Five years ago, we had 30 residents at the University College Hospital, Ibadan. Today, we barely have five. They finish and leave the country. Some don’t even apply anymore,” Bekibele, who is also the chairman at the Faculty of Ophthalmology, National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria, said.
He explained that the lack of modern training equipment, such as surgical simulators for cataract surgery, the most common cause of blindness in Nigeria, has hindered skill development.
“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 lamented.
The don, however, called on government and private stakeholders to invest in training tools and offer incentives that encourage young doctors to stay. “If Nigeria fixes its economy, I believe many of our professionals will return. But until then, we must invest in what we have.”
Meanwhile, the Chancellor of Ekiti State University, Dr. Olatunji Olowolafe, while reinforcing the need for innovation, announced a donation of $9,800 to acquire a surgical simulator.
This simulator, he said, would be vital in training future ophthalmologists and ensuring diagnostic excellence.
“It’s about globalising our training methods. With simulation labs, we can produce world-class ophthalmologists who are not only capable but confident before handling live surgeries. This will position Nigeria as a center of excellence in eye care and training,” Olowolafe said.
He expressed hope that with better infrastructure, Nigeria could attract medical tourism and reduce the emigration of healthcare professionals.
