Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Colloidal silver has a long history of traditional use in the treatment of eye infections, particularly before the advent of modern antibiotics. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, silver nitrate drops were commonly used to prevent and treat neonatal conjunctivitis (ophthalmia neonatorum) caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae. This practice was based on silver's broad-spectrum antimicrobial properties. Later, silver nitrate was largely replaced by antibiotics, which are more effective and carry fewer risks of toxicity. Colloidal silver itself, a suspension of microscopic silver particles, has been promoted in alternative medicine circles for a variety of infections, including those of the eyes. However, there is limited high-quality scientific evidence supporting its efficacy for eye infections, and concerns exist regarding potential side effects, such as argyria (irreversible skin discoloration) and ocular toxicity. Regulatory bodies like the U.S. FDA warn against the use of colloidal silver for any medical condition, citing lack of proven benefit and potential harm. Nonetheless, its use for eye infections persists in some traditional and alternative medicine practices, reflecting its historical rather than scientific justification.

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