Honey: A Natural Remedy for Eye Diseases

Abstract

Honey has been considered as a therapeutic agent; its successful application in the treatment of non-healing infected wounds has promoted its further clinical usage for treating various disorders including eye disorders. There is evidence that honey may be helpful in treating dry eye disease, post-operative corneal edema, and bullous keratopathy. Furthermore, it can be used as an antibacterial agent to reduce the ocular flora. This review discusses both the current knowledge of and new perspectives for honey therapy in ophthalmology.

Therapeutic Potential of Honey and Propolis on Ocular Disease

“…MGH therapy has generally eliminated multi-resistant P. aeruginosa and Streptococcal bacterial infections, hastening the wound healing process and averting the risk of amputation [58]. This remarkable efficacy of honey in inhibiting MRSA and Methicillin-sensitive S. aureus infections was similarly observed in a previous study [57] and other laboratory-based studies [59,60]. Moreover, honey effectively impeded the biofilm matrix creation by P. aeruginosa, which was considered the key factor in establishing the pathogen sustainability and resistance of antibiotic agents in long-standing incurable wounds [61].…”

“…Therefore, using honey as an alternative in conditions with a rising emergence of antimicrobial resistance, such as burns and thermal wound infections by methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA), Enterococcus sp., and vancomycin-resistant Enterococci has been highly advocated [56]. These positive effects were thought to be due to the heterogeneous therapeutic properties of honey, including antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects [56,57].…”

“…By considering the existing treatment modalities for eye diseases, the administration of honey is mainly targeted for its topical use. Therefore, studies involving honey in eye diseases have been focusing more on eye drops and ointment [57]. Among the eye diseases that have been incorporated with the beneficial honey application are typically conditions affecting structures of the ocular surface, mainly the conjunctiva, cornea, and eyelid.…”

“…At present, different types of honey have been tested clinically for use in the medical field, but they are yet to achieve medical-grade status. Currently, the available MGH for use in ophthalmology is a Manuka-based (Optimel) eye drop that was indicated for the treatment of chronic dry eye and blepharitis [57].…”

Honey-Related Treatment Strategies in Dry Eye Disease

“…Topical steroids have anti-inflammatory properties, and their efficacy in improving the signs and symptoms of DED have been demonstrated before [ 16 , 18 ]. However, their long-term use is not recommended, as ocular side effects such as the development of cataract or secondary glaucoma might occur [ 19 , 20 ]. Further anti-inflammatory treatment strategies for patients with DED include cyclosporine and lifitegrast [ 21 ].…”