Daily Mail Online, 21 October 2016
The Mail Online published a story today relating to various alternative ways in which you can use breast milk. The article states that breast milk can be used as a substitute to contact lens solution. However at the College we would always advise that contact lenses should be cleaned in sterile contact lens solution to avoid infection and there is no evidence to support the use of breast milk.
The article also suggests that breast milk can be used to treat eye infections in babies. Again, there is no evidence to suggest this, and if you think your baby has an eye infection, we would advise that you visit your local optometrists.
Daniel Hardiman-McCartney MCOptom, Clinical Adviser at the College said: “I would strongly advise against using breast milk for anything other than feeding babies. There is no evidence as to it whether it works or whether it is safe, for either cleaning contact lenses or treating conjunctivitis. If it is not stored correctly or becomes contaminated it could result in harm, furthermore it use for anything other than breastfeeding should be discouraged. Its benefits should be reserved for feeding babies.”
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