Can Cataracts be Cured with Medicine?

Question: Can cataracts be cured or alleviated by using medicine?


Answer: A Cataract is the clouding of the crystalline lens of the eye. The crystalline lens of the eye is primarily composed of protein that "denatures" with age and certain metabolic changes such as those from diabetes, secondary to trauma or certain medications such as steroids to name a few causes. Much as the "clear" liquid portion of an egg turns white as the egg protein denatures as it is cooked-the clouding and opacification of the crystalline lens that forms a Cataract is not generally reversible. There are no known FDA approved medications or even those that have withstood the scrutiny of a clinical trial that demonstrate a cure for Cataracts. The only way to restore the vision problems from a Cataract is to have Cataract Surgery and Intraocular Lens Implants. However, it is possible to delay the onset and progression of Cataracts in some cases by maintaining a healthy diet rich in green leafy vegetables, avoiding smoking and wearing protective sunwear to limit exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light.

Important Note: The information presented on the About Cataract Surgery Blog or provided in response to a request for information in the Ask Cataract Surgeons section on aboutcataractsurgery.com is not intended to diagnose or treat eye problems, eye conditions or eye diseases including appropriateness of treatment, risks, complications or side effects as related to Cataracts, Cataract Surgery of Lens Implants. In particular a response to an inquiry made on the Ask Cataract Surgeons section of aboutcataractsurgery.com is not meant to take the place of the professional medical care provided by your eye doctor, ophthalmologist and Cataract Surgeon. Contacting us via e-mail or any other means is not a substitute for medical care.