Evidence supporting the use of: Colloidal silver
For the health condition: Conjunctivitis

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): 1

Colloidal silver has a long history of traditional use in the management of various infections, including eye infections like conjunctivitis (“pink eye”). Before the advent of modern antibiotics, silver-containing compounds such as silver nitrate and colloidal silver were commonly employed as topical antimicrobials. Silver’s antimicrobial properties were recognized in the early 20th century, and it was widely used to prevent neonatal conjunctivitis (ophthalmia neonatorum) in newborns. However, the use of colloidal silver specifically for conjunctivitis is based largely on historical precedent rather than robust scientific evidence.

Modern clinical guidelines do not recommend colloidal silver for conjunctivitis due to a lack of high-quality clinical trials demonstrating efficacy and safety. Instead, antibiotic or antiviral treatments (depending on the cause) are preferred. Additionally, the use of colloidal silver carries risks such as argyria (irreversible bluish-gray skin discoloration) and potential eye irritation or toxicity.

In summary, while colloidal silver has traditional roots as a treatment for conjunctivitis, there is minimal scientific validation for its use, and it is not considered a standard or recommended therapy today.

More about colloidal silver
More about Conjunctivitis

Products containing colloidal silver

We currently have no products on Vitabase that contain this ingredient.