Optometrists Warn Against Use Of Urine, Breast Milk, Others To Treat Apollo

The Nigerian Optometric Association (NOA) has warned against the use of breast milk, urine, acid and other unorthodox treatment when infected with conjunctivitis, popularly known as Apollo.

President of the association, Ozy Okonokhua, issued the warning in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria on Monday.

The NOA President frowned at such practices as they could prove harmful to the eyes.

Conjunctivitis, also known as pinkeye, is an inflammation of the conjunctiva, the thin clear tissue that lies over the white part of the eye (sclera) and lines the inside of the eyelid.

It is a contagious infection that clears up with no long-term problems if properly treated.

Conjunctivitis could be caused by several factors including common cold, bacteria, irritants such as shampoos, dirt, smoke, reaction to eye drops, allergic reaction to pollen, dust, smoke, contact lenses-fungi, amoebas, and parasites.

Symptoms of conjunctivitis 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 NOA President urged Nigerians to seek help from trained and licensed professional optometrist when infected with an eye problem.

Okonokhua also advised people to imbibe the habit of regular hand washing to avoid contracting a bacterial infection of the eye.

“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 bacteria infection which is secondary is best treated with antibiotics.”





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