The Head of Ophthalmology at State Specialist Hospital, Osogbo, Dr. Bola Olomola, has issued a warning against using breast milk to treat eye complaints, emphasizing the potential dangers it poses.
Dr. Olomola made these remarks during an interview with Saturday PUNCH while reviewing cases identified during a free eye screening for civil servants and labor leaders in Osogbo, Osun State.
The event, held at the Government Secretariat in Osogbo, marked the commemoration of this year’s World Sight Day. During the screening, Dr. Olomola noted an increase in cases of refractive error among the individuals screened, totaling over 400 people.
Refractive error refers to the inability to see clearly at a standard visual distance of six meters, often due to conditions like biopia or hyperopia.
While the general screening provided reading glasses, Dr. Olomola stressed the need for individuals requiring distance corrections to seek further assistance from hospitals.
Additionally, he advised against applying breast milk to the eyes as a form of treatment, citing potential risks to eye health.
Dr. Olufemi Oroge, the Desk Officer for the Eye Unit at the State Ministry of Health, emphasized the importance of regular eye check-ups, encouraging people to prioritize maintaining optimal eye function.
In his statement, Dr. Olomola also appealed to parents, urging them to refrain from correcting their children’s vision through practices like slapping, emphasizing the associated risks to eye health.
