A video of a Pune-based woman, Nupur Pittie, who identifies as a "medicine-free life coach," washing her eyes with her own urine has sparked widespread concern and outrage online. In the now-deleted Instagram post, Pittie claimed the bizarre practice could alleviate redness, dryness, and irritation, titling the video "Urine Eye Wash - Nature's Own Medicine". The video quickly went viral, amassing over 1.5 lakh views in 24 hours and drawing harsh criticism from medical professionals and social media users alike.
Pittie explained in the video that she uses fresh, midstream morning urine as a natural eye rinse, advocating it as part of her "medicine-free lifestyle." She detailed the process, instructing viewers to place their eyes over cups filled with urine and blink repeatedly, moving their eyes in all directions to ensure complete coverage. However, this unusual eye-care routine has been met with strong warnings from medical experts who have widely debunked any potential benefits and highlighted the significant health risks involved.
Hepatologist Dr. Cyriac Abby Philips, known as "TheLiverDoc" online, was among the first to condemn the practice, sharing the video on X with the caption, "Please don't put your urine inside your eyes. Urine is not sterile." He criticized the trend as "depressing and terrifying," further commenting on Pittie's Instagram post, "You need help woman. This is not normal. If you are trying to ride the social media 'following and like wave', this is not the way. Get help."
Urologists and ophthalmologists have also weighed in, emphasizing the dangers of using urine as an eyewash. Dr. Jaison Philip, a urologist, pointed out that the pH of urine (5.5 to 6.5) is too acidic for eye wash solutions, which should ideally be around 7.4 (alkaline). He warned that using urine in the eyes can cause inflammation and even vision loss. Ophthalmologist Dr. Leon Vaughan cautioned against using urine and other home remedies like breast milk and herbal teas, stating that they are extremely harmful due to the bacteria they contain, which can lead to serious eye conditions like gonorrhoea and chlamydia, particularly in children.
The medical consensus is clear: urine is a waste product containing bacteria, toxins, and other substances that the body is trying to eliminate. Reintroducing these substances into the eyes can disrupt the natural tear film, leading to redness, irritation, inflammation, and infections like keratitis and conjunctivitis. There is no scientific evidence to support the claim that urine is sterile or that it possesses any medicinal properties that could benefit the eyes.
This incident highlights the dangers of unverified health advice found online. While some ancient practices suggest potential benefits of urine therapy, modern science has found no evidence to support these claims. Instead, experts urge the public to rely on evidence-based medicine and consult licensed healthcare professionals for any health concerns. Safe alternatives for eye irritation include sterile saline solution, preservative-free artificial tears, and professional medical advice.
The viral video of the Pune woman has served as a stark reminder of the importance of critical thinking and informed decision-making when it comes to health and wellness.
