Woman uses urine as eyewash: Doctors issue strict warning

India Today

26-06-2025

A recent social media post promoting the use of urine as an eye wash has raised serious concerns among medical professionals.Doctors are warning the public that urine is not safe for eye care and can lead to harm, including irritation, infection, and even vision loss.The video, posted by Nupur Pittie, a self-described 'medicine-free life coach' from Pune, shows her pouring urine into two eye wash cups and using them to rinse her eyes.advertisement
In the Instagram video, Pittie claimed that the first urine of the morning could relieve symptoms like eye redness, dryness, and irritation.She explained that the process involves collecting fresh urine, filling the eye cups, and blinking several times while the eyes are submerged in it.NEVER! NEVER! NEVER DO THIS! Urine always belongs in the toilet, never elsewhere. Don't harm urself- Urologist Dr. Jaison Philip. MS, MCh(Uro). pic.twitter.com/hkVn8WdYA3— Dr Jaison Philip. M.S., MCh (@Jasonphilip8) June 25, 2025However, medical experts strongly disagree.'NEVER! NEVER! NEVER DO THIS! Urine always belongs in the toilet—never elsewhere. Don't harm yourself,' warned Dr. Jaison Philip, a urologist, in a post on X.He added that while the pH of normal human urine ranges from 5.5 to 6.5 (acidic), the ideal pH for eye wash solutions is around 7.4 (alkaline). 'Using urine as an eyewash can cause anything from inflammation to vision loss,' he wrote.
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Dr. Cyriac Abby Philips, a Kerala-based hepatologist known online as The Liver Doc, also weighed in: 'Please don't put your urine inside your eyes. Urine is not sterile. Boomer aunties trying to be cool on Instagram is depressing and terrifying.' Contrary to widespread myths, urine is not a sterile fluid, especially once it leaves the body. It contains bacteria, toxins, and other waste products that are meant to be excreted, not reintroduced into sensitive areas like the eyes.
The original video was initially shared on Instagram but has now been taken down.Doctors urge the public not to follow unverified or unsafe home remedies seen online, especially those involving bodily waste.For eye irritation, safe alternatives include sterile saline solution, preservative-free artificial tears, and consulting a licensed eye care professional.Self-medicating with harmful substances can do lasting damage, experts say.WHAT URINE CONTAINS—AND WHAT IT LACKSUrine's primary role is to eliminate metabolic waste. It is viewed as waste fluid with no medicinal properties.Its pH is typically slightly acidic, which can disrupt the tear film, a natural layer that protects and lubricates the eye. Using urine washes away that protective layer and replaces it with fluid containing substances that were meant to be discarded.advertisementThis can lead to eye redness, inflammation, and even serious infections like keratitis or conjunctivitis.
Harmful substances can damage the tear film of the eyes. ()
By contrast, ophthalmologists recommend using sterile, preservative-free artificial tears or clean water for rinsing.Commercial eye drops are specifically designed to match the eye's natural state, with pH levels and ingredients that safely support healing and comfort.People may be desperate for quick fixes, but using urine is risky.It can cause more harm than the problem it's meant to address. Individuals experiencing burning, redness, or itchiness to seek professional help. Many eye issues respond quickly to proper treatment. Don't delay by experimenting with unsafe home remedies.
Ophthalmologists recommend using sterile, preservative-free artificial tears or clean water for rinsing. ()
advertisementInstead of risking damage, ensure the following safe strategies:Use sterile saline solution or artificial tears to rinse eyes after exposure to dust or irritants.Take frequent breaks when using screens to reduce eye strain and dryness.Maintain a humid, clean environment and avoid rubbing the eyes.See a qualified ophthalmologist if symptoms persist or worsen.THE DANGER OF DIY REMEDIESDespite claims online, there is no scientific support for urine as an eye treatment.In fact, healthcare experts view it as a backward step into unsafe self-care methods that prey on misinformation. Our bodies are designed to remove toxins, we don't want to put them back, say many experts.Urine is for getting right out of the body, not putting into sensitive organs.The next time you see someone promoting urine as an eye remedy, consider it a public health risk rather than a cure. Trusted alternatives like sterile drops, water rinses, and professional treatment can be safe and effective.- Ends