Many patients ask whether cataracts can be removed with eye drops. Some have also seen online posts suggesting castor oil, herbal drops or “natural” remedies to dissolve cataracts.
It is an understandable question. Cataracts can develop gradually, and many people would prefer a simple, non-surgical option if one existed. However, it is important to separate proven treatment from online misinformation, especially when it involves products placed directly into the eye.
At this stage, there are no approved eye drops that can remove or dissolve cataracts. When cataracts begin to affect daily activities, cataract surgery may be discussed as the established treatment option. The National Eye Institute explains that surgery is currently the only way to remove a cataract.
This article is for educational purposes only and should not replace an eye examination with an optometrist or ophthalmologist.
What is a Cataract?
A cataract is a clouding of the natural lens inside the eye caused by a build-up of protein that prevents light from passing clearly through the lens. The lens normally helps focus light clearly. When it becomes cloudy, vision may become blurry, hazy, dull or less colourful
Common cataract symptoms may include:
- Cloudy, blurry or hazy vision
- Faded colours
- Sensitivity to light
- Trouble seeing at night
- Halos around lights
- Double vision in one eye
- Frequent changes in glasses or contact lens prescriptions
These symptoms may be caused by cataracts, but they may also be linked to other eye conditions. A proper eye examination is needed to confirm the cause.
No. At present, there are no approved eye drops that can dissolve or prevent cataracts. However, exciting scientific research is exploring drops to dissolve lens protein clumps or delay cataract progression. Different drops have been studied for their ability to restore lens transparency in animal tissue, though research findings in human tissue remain mixed. Although it is possible that there may be drops for cataracts in the future, surgery is currently the only cure.
Some eye drops are used for dry eye, allergies, infection, inflammation or after eye surgery. However, these uses are different from claiming that a drop can reverse or dissolve a cataract.
For South African patients, the important safety message is that products used in the eyes should be appropriate for eye use, sterile where required, and obtained through regulated channels. SAHPRA’s medicine quality guidance includes requirements for sterile products and in-use stability testing, including eye drops. The regulator has also cautioned the public against buying medicines or medical devices from unauthorised vendors, websites or social media platforms, as these products may be sub-standard, falsified, contain the wrong or no active ingredients, or include harmful undisclosed substances.
Castor oil has been studied in certain controlled eye-care settings, mainly for dry eye, meibomian gland dysfunction and blepharitis. However, it is very important to understand what these studies do and do not mean.
These studies do not refer to ordinary household castor oil, cosmetic castor oil, hair-growth castor oil, laxative castor oil or home-mixed remedies placed into the eye. They refer to specific formulations or controlled applications used in research settings.
A 2002 randomised, double-masked, placebo-controlled crossover clinical trial studied low-concentration homogenised castor oil eye drops in patients with non-inflamed obstructive meibomian gland dysfunction. The study reported that these drops were effective and safe for that specific condition.
Another study found that an emulsion eye drop containing castor oil could modify the tear film lipid layer and increase tear film stability. A 2021 randomised trial evaluated topical periocular castor oil for blepharitis and reported improvements in ocular surface signs and symptoms.
These findings may be relevant to certain eyelid and dry-eye conditions, but they do not show that castor oil can remove cataracts.
No. Current evidence does not support castor oil as a cataract treatment.
Castor oil is popular on social media because it is often promoted as a simple “natural” remedy. The concern is that patients may use it instead of getting a proper eye examination, or may place non-sterile products into the eye.
The safest message is:
Castor oil has been researched in specific ophthalmic or controlled eye-care contexts, but this does not mean household castor oil should be used in the eyes, and it does not mean castor oil can dissolve cataracts.
Are researchers studying drops to dissolve cataracts?
Yes, researchers have explored possible non-surgical cataract treatments. However, these remain investigational and should not be presented as available or proven cataract treatments.
| Lanosterol
A 2015 study reported that lanosterol reduced cataract severity in certain laboratory and animal models. However, later research did not confirm this as a reliable treatment. A 2019 Scientific Reports paper concluded that studies failed to provide evidence that lanosterol or 25-hydroxycholesterol could dissolve cataracts or bind aggregated lens protein in the way proposed.
| Compound 29
Another area of research involved a molecule known as compound 29. UCSF reported that compound 29 partially restored transparency in mouse lenses and improved protein solubility in human lens tissue removed during cataract surgery. However, the researchers cautioned that the findings were not a direct measure of restored or improved vision, and that human clinical trials would be needed.
| N-acetylcarnosine, or NAC
N-acetylcarnosine eye drops have also been promoted for cataracts. However, a Cochrane review concluded that there is currently no convincing evidence that NAC reverses cataracts or prevents cataract progression.
The overall message is clear: cataract eye-drop research is interesting, but it has not yet produced an approved, proven alternative to cataract surgery.
Why do patients receive eye drops after cataract surgery?
This is where many patients become confused.
Eye drops are commonly prescribed after cataract surgery, but they are not used to remove the cataract. They are used to support healing and reduce the risk of infection or inflammation after the cloudy lens has already been removed.
In simple terms:
- Eye drops after cataract surgery: used to support healing.
- Eye drops claiming to remove cataracts: not a proven cataract treatment.
When cataracts begin to affect daily activities such as reading, driving or watching television, an ophthalmologist may discuss whether cataract surgery is appropriate. During the procedure, the cloudy natural lens is removed and replaced with an artificial intraocular lens, also known as an IOL.
This is why lens planning is an important part of cataract treatment. The lens selected during surgery helps determine how your vision is focused after the cataract has been removed. Your surgeon will recommend lens options based on your eye health, measurements, visual needs and lifestyle.
There are generally two main approaches:
Premium lens options, such as multifocal lenses and extended-depth-of-focus (EDOF), are designed to provide more than one focal point. This may help selected patients reduce their dependence on glasses after surgery, especially for daily activities that involve more than one viewing distance.
This option may suit patients who want cataract surgery to be planned with greater focus on lifestyle and reduced spectacle dependence. Suitability depends on the health of the eye, the accuracy of measurements, visual expectations and the surgeon’s recommendation.
Standard monofocal lenses usually provide one main focal point, often for distance vision. This means glasses are usually still needed afterwards, especially for reading, computer work or other near tasks.
This remains a good option for patients who are comfortable wearing glasses after surgery and want the cataract treated with a standard lens approach.
To better understand cataract surgery, lens options and recovery, read our full Guide to Cataract Surgery below.
Cataracts can develop slowly, and many people adapt without realising how much their vision has changed.
Consider an eye assessment if you notice:
- Cloudy, blurry or hazy vision
- Colours appearing faded or dull
- More glare from sunlight, lamps or headlights
- Difficulty with night driving
- Needing more light to read
- Frequent changes in glasses or contact lens prescriptions
- Double vision in one eye
Our cataract self-test can help you reflect on whether these symptoms are affecting daily activities, but it cannot diagnose cataracts. A full eye examination is needed to confirm whether cataracts or another eye condition may be responsible.
Why online cataract remedies can be risky
Online remedies may feel appealing because they sound simple and non-invasive. The concern is that they may delay a proper diagnosis or treatment plan.
This is especially important for eye health because products placed into the eye need to be appropriate for ocular use.
If you are already using eye drops, oils, supplements or home remedies for your eyes, mention this to your ophthalmologist during your consultation. This helps your eye-care team assess your eye surface, medication history and any possible irritation.
Conclusion
Eye drops cannot currently remove cataracts. Castor oil has been researched in certain controlled eye-care settings, mainly for dry eye-related conditions, but this does not mean that household castor oil should be placed in the eye, and it does not mean castor oil can dissolve cataracts.
Research into cataract-dissolving drops is ongoing, including compounds such as lanosterol, compound 29 and N-acetylcarnosine. Some early laboratory or animal studies have been promising, but these findings have not translated into an approved cataract eye-drop treatment.
If your vision is becoming cloudy, dull, blurry or affected by glare, the most helpful step is to have your eyes assessed.
Take our cataract self-test or book a cataract consultation at Sandton Eye Clinic to understand your symptoms, diagnosis and next steps.
FAQs
Can cataracts be removed without surgery?
At this stage, surgery is the only established way to remove a cataract. Early symptoms may sometimes be managed with brighter lighting, anti-glare sunglasses, magnifying lenses or updated glasses, but these do not remove the cataract.
Can castor oil dissolve cataracts?
No. Castor oil has been studied in certain dry eye and eyelid conditions, but there is no evidence that it can dissolve cataracts.
Can I use household castor oil in my eyes?
Do not place household, cosmetic, hair-growth or laxative castor oil into the eyes. The studies discussed in this article refer to specific formulations or controlled research settings, not ordinary household castor oil.
Are cataract eye drops available in South Africa?
There are currently no proven or approved eye drops that dissolve cataracts. Be cautious of products sold online or through social media claiming to treat cataracts, especially if they are not registered or authorised for that use.
Why are eye drops prescribed after cataract surgery?
Eye drops after cataract surgery are prescribed to support healing and reduce the risk of infection or inflammation. They do not dissolve the cataract itself.