Evidence supporting the use of: Silver
For the health condition: Eye Infections

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 4

Silver, particularly in the form of silver nitrate, has a long history of use in the prevention and treatment of eye infections, especially neonatal conjunctivitis (ophthalmia neonatorum). Scientifically, its antimicrobial properties are well-documented: silver ions disrupt bacterial cell membranes and interfere with replication, making it effective against a broad range of bacteria. In the late 19th century, Dr. Carl Credé began using 1% silver nitrate eye drops in newborns to prevent gonococcal ophthalmia, drastically reducing rates of blindness caused by this infection. This practice became routine in many countries and is sometimes still used, though other agents (like erythromycin) are more common today due to the risk of chemical conjunctivitis with silver nitrate. Recent research supports the antimicrobial efficacy of silver-containing compounds, including silver sulfadiazine, for topical use in ocular infections, though its use has declined due to potential toxicity and the availability of safer, targeted antibiotics. However, silver-based preparations remain an important part of historical and, in some cases, modern prophylactic strategies against neonatal eye infections. Overall, the use of silver in eye care has a strong scientific basis, particularly for its bactericidal properties, though modern medicine typically relies on other agents with improved safety profiles.

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