Evidence supporting the use of: Salt (sea)
For the health condition: Eye Infections

Links: Go back one page, Tool main page, Ingredients list, Health conditions list, Body systems list

Synopsis

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

Salt (sea salt or saline solutions) has a long history of traditional use for eye infections, mainly as a folk remedy. Traditional practices in various cultures have recommended rinsing the eyes with diluted salt water to soothe irritation or cleanse the eye. Scientifically, sterile saline solutions (which are essentially a precise mixture of salt and water) are commonly used in medical settings to rinse the eyes, but these are carefully prepared to be isotonic and sterile to avoid causing harm. The use of non-sterile sea salt or homemade salt solutions is not supported by modern medical evidence due to the risks of contamination and improper concentrations that may irritate or damage the eye.

There is no robust scientific validation that sea salt itself treats eye infections. The benefit of sterile saline is primarily mechanical—helping to flush out debris or pathogens—but it does not directly treat the infection. Saline rinses can provide symptomatic relief for minor irritations but are not a replacement for antimicrobial treatments in bacterial or viral conjunctivitis. In summary, while the use of salt water for eye issues is rooted in tradition, its efficacy is limited, and improper use could be harmful. For eye infections, it is recommended to consult a healthcare professional rather than rely on traditional salt water remedies.

More about Salt (sea)
More about Eye Infections

Products containing Salt (sea)

We currently have no products on Caring Sunshine that contain this ingredient.