Kathmandu. Ophthalmologist around the world is now hoping for a revolutionary way to save millions of people from the risk of blindness: a non-surgical cataract treatment. The research, if successful, could be a huge relief for developing countries like Nepal, where access to surgery is limited.
Traditionally, cataracts are treated with surgery. In which the lens of the cloudy eye is removed and an artificial lens is placed. Although this method is highly effective, it comes with its own risks and costs. But now scientists have developed ‘eye drops’ that can dissolve the clump of protein that causes cataracts.
Scientific Basis and Preliminary Results of I-Drops{
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Cataract is a condition caused by the accumulation of protein in the lens of the eye. As a non-surgical treatment, new eye drops based on molecules such as lanosterol aim to restore the transparency of the lens.
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Success of animal studies: Preliminary research in dogs and rabbits has shown that lanosterol-based eye drops can partially reverse lens cloudiness.
Human trials: Small-scale trials in the US and China have shown the drops to be safe and easily tolerated by patients.
{{TAG_OPEN_span_47}New evidence: In a 2024 controlled study using C-KAD eye-drops, a statistically significant improvement in contrast sensitivity was observed in patients with early-stage cataracts.
Accuracy and Caution: Treatment has not been proven
While scientific advances are real, these drops have not yet been approved as the primary treatment for cataracts.
Challenges and Limitations
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Animal-to-human differences: Because the structure and density of human lenses differ from those of animals, the results are difficult to apply to humans.
Lack of evidence: Long-term evidence remains that drops can consistently improve lens opacity in large and diverse patient groups.
Medical Consent: “Surgery is the current ‘gold standard’ for the treatment of cataracts,” ophthalmologists emphasize.
Illusion and hope for the future
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Some media reports may exaggerate the preparation of these treatments, but doctors advise caution.
What is the illusion and what is the truth?
Fallacy: TAG_CLOSE_span_39Dietary supplements or general lubricating drops available in the market reverse the problem of cataracts.
Truth: Experts say that cataracts cannot be eradicated by lifestyle changes or simple drops.
If successful, the research could revolutionize global eye care by providing cost-effective and non-invasive treatments in areas with few resources. Large-scale human trials in Asia, the Americas and Europe will determine how these eye drops transform vision therapy over the next decade. Hope is alive but conclusive scientific results are awaited.
