A recent study from 2015 suggests that a naturally occurring chemical in the body may hold the key to clearing cataracts and improving vision without the need for surgery. While the findings are promising, there is still skepticism surrounding this potential breakthrough. Could this be the long-awaited solution for the millions of people suffering from cataracts? Here’s what you should know.
Understanding Cataracts
Cataracts occur when the proteins in the lens of the eye clump together, forming a cloudy patch that impairs vision. While the exact causes are still unknown, factors such as smoking, diabetes, and age-related wear and tear on the lens are believed to contribute to their development.
Risk Factors for Cataracts
Cataracts are most common in older adults, particularly smokers and diabetics. They can progress over time, leading to increasingly blurry and dull vision. However, cataracts can also develop in younger individuals without immediate symptoms, only becoming noticeable as they grow larger over time.
Current Treatment Options
Currently, cataracts are managed with stronger glasses prescriptions and brighter lighting. In cases where vision is significantly impacted, surgery to remove the cloudy lens and replace it with an artificial one is the standard treatment. Many older patients are cautious about surgery due to potential risks of infection.
Recent research on animals has identified a natural chemical called Lanosterol that has shown promise in reversing cataracts, potentially reducing the need for surgery.
New Findings on Lanosterol
Studies on rabbits and dogs have demonstrated the effectiveness of Lanosterol in reversing cataracts. While Lanosterol eye drops are available for dogs as Lanomax, human trials are still pending, with concerns raised about its efficacy and safety for human use.
Experts caution that not all cataracts may respond to Lanosterol treatment, and past experiences with natural remedies for cataracts have had mixed results. While the potential of Lanosterol is hopeful, further research is needed to determine its viability as a treatment for human cataract sufferers.
In the meantime, individuals can explore dietary and supplemental options to support their eye health. Stay tuned for updates on this developing area of research.
