Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3

Silver, particularly in the form of silver nitrate or silver sulfadiazine, has a long history of medical use as an antimicrobial agent. In ophthalmology, silver nitrate drops (typically 1% solution) were historically used in newborns to prevent gonococcal ophthalmia neonatorum—a severe eye infection caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae. This practice, introduced by Carl Credé in the late 19th century, drastically reduced rates of neonatal blindness and became standard prophylaxis in many countries. Over the years, silver-based preparations have also been employed for other ocular infections due to their bactericidal properties—silver ions disrupt microbial cell membranes and denature proteins, leading to cell death.

However, silver nitrate has largely been replaced by antibiotics such as erythromycin, which are less irritating to the eye and provide broader protection. The use of colloidal or "purified" silver as a home remedy for eye infections lacks robust clinical evidence and is not recommended by current medical guidelines, due to potential toxicity and risk of argyria (irreversible skin discoloration). That said, the scientific basis for silver’s antimicrobial activity is well established, and silver-containing compounds do have a validated, though now largely historical, role in eye infection prophylaxis and treatment. The evidence rating is a 3/5: strong for historical use and basic science, but with modern clinical guidelines favoring safer alternatives.

More about purified silver
More about Eye Infections

Other ingredients used for Eye Infections

Other health conditions supported by purified silver

Products containing purified silver

Designs For Health Silvercillin™ Liquid
Designs For Health Silvercillin™ Spray