What you need to know about the honey eye drop trend

What is the honey eye drop trend?

Honey eye drops have gained popularity as an alternative treatment for a variety of eye conditions, such as floaters (dark spots in the visual field), inflammation, dry eyes, conjunctivitis, cataracts, and glaucoma (elevated pressure in the eye).

What is Jimerito honey?

Most honey eye drops use a particular form of raw honey (Jimerito) that comes from tropical stingless Meliponini bees. Honey from these bees have been shown to contain a variety of compounds that have antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. The honey from these bees is thought to be higher in these beneficial compounds than from other species of bees. Jimerito honey has also been used as a nutritional supplement and in traditional folk medicine for centuries.

Is Jimerito honey safe?

When consumed orally, Jimerito honey is generally considered safe. When applied topically to intact skin, it also is pretty safe; however, it may cause irritation, particularly when applied to open wounds and sensitive areas. There is less information regarding the safety of Jimerito honey when applied to the eyes. Very rarely, people with severe allergies to bees have had allergic reactions to honey and honey-based products.

Can honey eye drops improve eye health?

At this time, there is not a great deal of information from clinical studies. The few studies that have been performed have examined its utility for conditions such as dry eye and conjunctivitis. Individual testimonials have claimed that it eliminates floaters with as little as a single application; however, these claims have not been supported by scientific evidence.

What are the risks and side effects of the honey eye drop trend?

They eye tissue is every sensitive and currently FDA-approved over-the-counter and prescription eye drops are made with quality control measures to ensure safety and sterility. Honey-based eye drops may not meet these safety and quality standards. Drops can be contaminated with bacteria or fungi that can cause infection. Additionally, most honey eye drops recommend dilution in water prior to instilling drops into the eye. Some people have been putting the undiluted drops into their eyes, which can be even more dangerous. Severe irritation can damage the outer lining of the eye. Additionally some eye conditions, such as glaucoma, can be sight-threatening if not properly treated under the supervision of an eye doctor. There are safe and effective treatments available for many of the eye conditions that honey drops are being used for and delayed or inadequate treatment of these conditions can potentially lead to vision loss.

What should I do if someone is having a negative reaction to honey eye drops?

First remove any remaining drops by rinsing the eye with a gentle stream of running water for 10 to 15 minutes. You do not have to hold the eye open, but you should try to blink under the stream of water. Expert help is available through the webPOISONCONTROL online tool at www.poison.org and by phone at 1-800-222-1222. Poison Control’s expert guidance is always free, confidential, and available 24 hours a day. Seek medical attention for severe eye pain, change in vision, eye drainage, foreign body sensation in the eye, or if are having a severe allergic reaction (facial swelling, difficulty breathing).

 

Maryann Amirshahi, PharmD, MD, MPH, PhD
Medical Toxicologist