The age-old practice of applying breast milk to treat eye infections in children has come under sharp criticism from leading eye health professionals.
The age-old practice of applying breast milk to treat eye infections in children has come under sharp criticism from leading eye health professionals.
Dr. Zakaria Al-hassan Baluri, a prominent optometrist in the Upper West Region, has cautioned parents and caregivers that the remedy, widely practiced across many communities, is ineffective and may worsen infections.
Speaking during the inauguration of the new Bliss Eye Care office in Wa Municipality during the week, Dr. Baluri revealed that the clinic frequently receives children with severe eye complications caused by delayed medical attention after traditional remedies, including breast milk, are applied.
According to the optometrist, these practices are often driven by deeply rooted cultural beliefs and misinformation regarding eye care.
“But breast milk contains no antibiotics. When infections occur, using breast milk does nothing to treat the underlying cause. In fact, it can aggravate the condition and lead to more serious eye damage,” Dr. Baluri emphasized.
He noted that reliance on home remedies often delays proper medical intervention, leaving children vulnerable to complications that could have been prevented with early treatment.
The optometrist highlighted that symptoms such as redness, discharge, itching, or difficulty seeing should prompt immediate consultation with qualified eye specialists.
“The eye is a delicate organ. Once damage is done, reversing it is extremely difficult. Early recognition and treatment are key,” he said.
Dr. Baluri also stressed the importance of community-based education to dispel myths surrounding eye health, citing that many still attribute eye infections to spiritual causes rather than medical conditions requiring professional attention.
He called on health authorities, community leaders, and media outlets to intensify awareness campaigns to protect children from harmful traditional practices.
In recent years, the Upper West Region has witnessed a rise in preventable eye infections among children, prompting health professionals to advocate for a shift from traditional home remedies to evidence-based medical care.
The warning from Dr. Baluri is part of a broader campaign to reduce preventable childhood blindness and ensure access to professional eye care services across the region.
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