Can cataracts be treated with topical eye drops?
Scientists Working on Eye Drops to Dissolve Cataracts
August 2015 — Cataract surgery is proven to be safe and effective, with a low risk of serious complications. But wouldn't it be great if eye drops could dissolve cataracts without the need for costly surgery? For one thing, maybe they could help people who live in areas without surgeons or affordable health care.
In a recent study of congenital cataracts (meaning, cataracts that are present from birth), University of California San Diego researchers found that a molecule called lanosterol prevents cataract-causing proteins from adhering to each other, keeping the human lens clear. But if the molecule is abnormal because of a gene mutation, the proteins will adhere and make the lens cloudy.
The researchers created eye drops containing lanosterol, tested them in rabbit eye lenses and found the lenses were clearer after a few days. In live dogs' eyes the drops also reduced the effect of their cataracts.
The drops don't work as well as surgery, because they don't eliminate the cloudiness in the lens — they only reduce it. Further testing may produce a more effective formula, but that will take time.
Still, the potential exists for cataract-dissolving drops to be used routinely someday not just in animals, but also in humans.
-Dr. Vance Thompson, MD (All about vision)
August 2015 — Cataract surgery is proven to be safe and effective, with a low risk of serious complications. But wouldn't it be great if eye drops could dissolve cataracts without the need for costly surgery? For one thing, maybe they could help people who live in areas without surgeons or affordable health care.
In a recent study of congenital cataracts (meaning, cataracts that are present from birth), University of California San Diego researchers found that a molecule called lanosterol prevents cataract-causing proteins from adhering to each other, keeping the human lens clear. But if the molecule is abnormal because of a gene mutation, the proteins will adhere and make the lens cloudy.
The researchers created eye drops containing lanosterol, tested them in rabbit eye lenses and found the lenses were clearer after a few days. In live dogs' eyes the drops also reduced the effect of their cataracts.
The drops don't work as well as surgery, because they don't eliminate the cloudiness in the lens — they only reduce it. Further testing may produce a more effective formula, but that will take time.
Still, the potential exists for cataract-dissolving drops to be used routinely someday not just in animals, but also in humans.
-Dr. Vance Thompson, MD (All about vision)