The Nigerian Optometric Association (NOA) on Monday warned against the use of urine, breast milk and acid among others for the treatment of conjunctivitis, popularly known as Apollo.
President of the association, Dr Ozy Okonokhua, gave the warning in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday.
Dr Okonokhua frowned at such practices saying that it was harmful to the eyes.
He, however, urged the populace to seek help from trained and licensed professional optometrist when infected with an eye problem.
“Apollo is a virus that is self-limiting which means it cannot be cured with local medicine or self-medication.
“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,” he said.
The president further advised the populace to imbibe the habit of regular hand washing to avoid contracting viral and bacterial infection of the eye.
Similarly, Dr Njong Onugu, Head of Eye care Unit, Public Health Department of Health and Human Service Secretariat, FCTA identified Apollo as a common eye problem that affects people of all age and has no cure.
Dr Onugu said that healthcare workers had high risk of exposure to viruses that could cause viral conjunctivitis.
The eye care specialist, however, urged the public to maintain proper hygiene by washing their hands thoroughly before and after applying eye drops to infected persons.
She identified some causes of irritation of the eye layer to include allergies in the environment which could be due to air pollution, smoke, pollen from trees and grass.
“You must avoid sharing of towels, cosmetics or eye-drops with others that are affected as this can predispose you to it.
“Infected children should be distanced from schools, camps and swimming pools until they are cured,” Onugu advised.
