Doctors Issue Urgent Warning After Viral Video Promotes Urine as Eyewash
A viral Instagram video showing a woman using her own urine as an eyewash has sparked widespread alarm among medical professionals across India. The video, originally shared by Pune-based “medicine-free life coach” Nupur Pittie, claimed that using the first urine of the day could relieve eye redness and irritation.
Doctors have strongly condemned the practice, calling it dangerous and potentially harmful. “Urine belongs in the toilet—not your eyes,” warned urologist Dr. Jaison Philip. He emphasized that urine is acidic and filled with waste products, making it entirely unsuitable for eye care.
Contrary to common myths, urine is not sterile and can introduce bacteria and toxins into the eyes, leading to infections such as conjunctivitis and keratitis. Hepatologist Dr. Cyriac Abby Philips, widely known as The Liver Doc, also cautioned, “Urine is not medicine. Using it in your eyes is unsafe and misguided.”
Ophthalmologists urge individuals experiencing eye discomfort to avoid risky home remedies and instead opt for sterile saline solutions or artificial tears. “Putting urine in the eyes can cause more harm than good,” said Dr. Ruchika Agarwal of Paras Health, Kanpur.
Doctors advise seeking professional medical help for persistent symptoms. The video has since been taken down, but experts fear it may already have misled vulnerable viewers.
Public health officials remind everyone: Never follow unverified health trends online. Protect your eyes—don’t experiment with unsafe DIY remedies.
