The Nigerian Optometric Association (NOA) has called for a stop in the use of urine, breast milk, and other unconventional treatment when infected with conjunctivitis.
The eye defect popularly known as Apollo is an inflammation or swelling of the conjunctiva the thin transparent layer of tissue that lines the inner surface of the eyelid and covers the white part of the eye.
It could be caused by several factors including common cold, bacteria, and irritants such as shampoos, dirt, smoke, and reaction to eye drops, allergic reaction to pollen, dust, smoke, contact lenses-fungi, amoebas, and parasites.
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Symptoms include redness of the sclera, swollen conjunctiva, more tears than usual, thick yellow discharge, itchy or burning eyes, blurred vision and swollen lymph nodes.
The association passed across the warning through its president Ozy Okonokhua during an interview with NAN on Monday.
Okonokhua further urged Nigerians to seek help from trained and licensed professional optometrist rather than settle for uncommon solutions as they could prove harmful to the eyes.
“Apollo is a virus that is self-limiting which means it cannot be cured with local medicine or self-medication,” Okonokhua said.
“It is a viral infection enhanced by dryness more common during the dry season and the bacterial infection which is secondary is best treated with antibiotics.”
Medical Director, Fatimah Clinic Kaduna, Dr Maryam Abubakar also in recent times advised Nigerians to imbibe the habit of frequent hand washing to avoid viral and bacterial infection of the eye.