In a concerning trend that has sparked outrage and disbelief among medical professionals, a video has surfaced online demonstrating the use of urine as an eyewash, a practice that urologist Dr. Jaison Philip vehemently opposes. Dr. Philip, holding advanced degrees in MS and MCh (Uro), took to X (formerly Twitter) to issue a stark warning: "NEVER! NEVER! NEVER DO THIS! Urine always belongs in the toilet, never elsewhere. Don't harm yourself."

The video in question, which has drawn significant attention, features a person advocating for the use of urine in eye care, a method that Dr. Philip describes as not only ineffective but also potentially harmful. The practice involves collecting the first urine of the morning and using it to wash the eyes, a ritual that the video frames as a health benefit. However, Dr. Philip's expertise underscores the grave risks associated with this action.


Urine, typically acidic with a pH ranging from 5.5 to 6.5, is ill-suited for ocular use. The ideal pH for an eyewash is alkaline, around 7.4, to avoid irritation and damage to the delicate tissues of the eye. Introducing urine into the eyes can lead to severe inflammation, infections, and even vision loss. Dr. Philip's warning is a call to action for individuals to rely on scientifically validated treatments rather than unproven remedies.

The backlash against the video has been swift, with medical professionals and the public alike expressing dismay at the promotion of such practices. Comments on Dr. Philip's post range from incredulity to concern, with some users questioning the lack of regulation around health advice shared on social media platforms. Others have shared personal anecdotes of individuals who have suffered adverse effects from similar misguided treatments.

Dr. Philip's stance is clear: the promotion of urine therapy for eye care is not only misguided but also dangerous. He urges the public to seek advice from qualified medical professionals and to be wary of unverified health claims circulating online. As the debate continues, the incident serves as a reminder of the importance of evidence-based medicine and the potential consequences of ignoring scientific consensus.


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