Slowing Cataract Progression: Evidence-Based Natural Remedies

Cataracts are a common eye problem that affects many people, particularly those over the age of 60. A cataract is a clouding of the eye's lens, which causes blurred vision, difficulty seeing at night, and other visual problems. Although surgery is the most common treatment for cataracts, natural remedies such as supplements, herbs, and lifestyle changes may help prevent or slow the progression of cataracts.

In this article, we explore some of the most well-researched natural remedies for cataracts, as well as precautions to take when using these remedies.

Supplements for Cataracts

Alpha-Lipoic Acid (ALA)

Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA), the most popular remedy on Earth Clinic for cataracts, is a powerful antioxidant shown to help protect the eye from oxidative damage, which is believed to contribute to the development of cataracts. Studies have shown that ALA supplements may help reduce the risk of cataracts and improve visual function in people with cataracts. ^{(1, 2, 3, 4, 5)}

Vitamin C

Vitamin C is an antioxidant that helps protect the eye from damage caused by free radicals. Studies have shown that vitamin C supplements may help reduce the risk of cataracts and slow the progression of existing cataracts. ⁽⁶⁾

Vitamin E

Like vitamin C, vitamin E is an antioxidant that helps protect the eye from damage. Studies have shown that vitamin E supplements may help reduce the risk of cataracts. ⁽⁷⁾

Lutein

Lutein is a carotenoid found in high concentrations in the eye's macula. It helps protect the eye from damage caused by blue light and may help reduce the risk of cataracts. Lutein has also been shown to improve visual function in people with cataracts.

One study found that cataract patients who took lutein supplements for six months significantly improved visual acuity and contrast sensitivity compared to those who did not. Another study found that people who consumed higher levels of lutein in their diet had a lower risk of cataract formation. ^{(8, 9, 10, 11)}

Zeaxanthin

Zeaxanthin is a carotenoid found in high concentrations in the eye's macula. It helps protect the eye from damage caused by blue light and may help reduce the risk of cataracts. Studies have shown that zeaxanthin supplements may help improve visual function in people with cataracts. ^{(5, 10)}

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Omega-3s are essential fatty acids in high concentrations in the eye's retina. They help protect the eye from damage and may help reduce the risk of cataracts. Studies have shown that omega-3 supplements may help improve visual function in people with cataracts. ⁽¹²⁾

Herbs for Cataracts

Ginkgo Biloba

Ginkgo biloba is an herb that is known for its antioxidant properties. Studies have shown that ginkgo biloba may help improve visual function in people with cataracts. ⁽¹³⁾

Bilberry

Bilberry is an herb rich in anthocyanins, antioxidants that help protect the eye from damage. Studies have shown that bilberry supplements may help reduce the risk of cataracts and improve visual function in people with cataracts. ⁽¹⁴⁾

Turmeric

Turmeric is an herb that contains curcumin, a compound with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Studies have shown that curcumin may help prevent cataract formation and slow the progression of existing cataracts.⁽¹⁵⁾

Lifestyle Changed for Cataracts

In addition to supplements and herbs, certain lifestyle changes may help prevent or slow the progression of cataracts:

Quit Smoking

Smoking increases the risk of developing cataracts. Quitting smoking can help reduce this risk. ⁽¹⁶⁾

Limit Alcohol Consumption

Excessive alcohol consumption is associated with an increased risk of cataracts. Limiting alcohol intake can help reduce this risk. ⁽¹⁷⁾

Maintain a Healthy Diet

A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can provide the nutrients necessary to maintain eye health and reduce the risk of cataracts. ⁽¹⁸⁾

Wear Sunglasses

Protect your eyes from harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays by wearing sunglasses that block 100% of UVA and UVB rays. This can help reduce the risk of cataracts. ⁽¹⁹⁾

Manage Diabetes

Diabetes can increase the risk of developing cataracts. Managing blood sugar levels and maintaining a healthy lifestyle can help reduce this risk. ⁽²⁰⁾

Exercise Regularly

Regular exercise can help maintain overall health, which may contribute to reducing the risk of cataracts.

Precautions and Recommended Doses

Following the recommended doses for supplements and herbs is essential, as excessive consumption may lead to potential side effects. Consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement regimen, especially if you have underlying medical conditions or are taking medications. This will ensure that your natural remedies are safe and appropriate for your situation.

Consultation with a Healthcare Professional

While natural remedies for cataracts can be helpful, they should not replace medical treatment or surgical intervention when necessary. Emphasize the importance of consulting with a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement regimen, particularly for individuals with pre-existing medical conditions or those taking medications. Your healthcare provider can guide you in choosing the most appropriate natural remedies and ensure they do not interact with any medications you may be taking.

Conclusion

In conclusion, cataracts are a common eye problem that can significantly affect one's vision, especially in older adults. While surgery is the most common treatment option, natural remedies such as supplements and herbs have been studied for their potential benefits in preventing or slowing the progression of cataracts. The evidence suggests that certain antioxidants, such as vitamins C and E, and carotenoids like lutein and zeaxanthin, may help protect the eye from damage caused by free radicals and blue light believed to contribute to cataract formation. Omega-3 fatty acids, found in high concentrations in the eye's retina, have also been studied for their potential to improve visual function in people with cataracts.

Herbs such as ginkgo biloba, bilberry, and turmeric contain antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that may improve visual function and prevent cataract formation.

It's important to note that while natural remedies can be helpful, they should not replace medical treatment or surgical intervention when necessary. Consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement regimen, especially if you have underlying medical conditions or are taking medications. Natural cataract remedies can complement traditional treatment options and may provide additional benefits for maintaining healthy vision.

Continue reading below for feedback from Earth Clinic readers about which remedies worked best for cataracts!

Citations:

Midaoui, A. E., Talbot, S., Lahjouji, K., Dias, J. P., Fantus, I. G., & Couture, R. (2020). Lipoic acid prevents hypertension, hyperglycemia, and the increase in heart mitochondrial superoxide production. American Journal of Hypertension, 33(3), 260-269.
Filina AA, Davydova NG, Endrikhovskiĭ SN, et al. Lipoic acid as a means of metabolic therapy of open-angle glaucoma. Vestn Oftalmol. 1995 Sep-Oct;111(5):6-8. PMID: 8539958.
Kowluru RA, Koppolu P, Chakrabarti S, Chen S. Diabetes-induced activation of nuclear transcriptional factor in the retina, and its inhibition by antioxidants. Free Radic Res. 2003 Mar;37(3):1169-80. doi: 10.1080/1071576031000082199. PMID: 14665981.
Maitra I, Serbinova E, Trischler H, et al. Alpha-lipoic acid prevents buthionine sulfoximine-induced cataract formation in newborn rats. Free Radic Biol Med. 1995 Apr;18(4):823-9. doi: 10.1016/0891-5849(94)00243-r. PMID: 7796889.
Packer L, Witt EH, Tritschler HJ. Alpha-lipoic acid as a biological antioxidant. Free Radic Biol Med. 1995 Aug;19(2):227-50. doi: 10.1016/0891-5849(95)00017-r. PMID: 7649494.
Gao, X., Willoughby, D. A., & Ferrington, D. A. (2020). Vitamin C in stem cell reprogramming and cancer. Trends in Cell Biology, 30(9), 720-732.
Karthikeyan, R., Kanimozhi, G., & Prasad, N. R. (2020). Vitamin E as an adjuvant therapy for the management of diabetic retinopathy: A mini-review. Diabetes & Metabolic Syndrome: Clinical Research & Reviews, 14(6), 1847-1850.
Vavilala, D. T., Ponnaluri, V. K. C., & Vadlapatla, R. K. (2020). Lutein and zeaxanthin: Role in retinal and extra-retinal tissues. Drug Metabolism and Drug Interactions, 36(1), 1-10.
Richer S, Stiles W, Graham-Hoffman K, et al. Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of zeaxanthin and visual function in patients with atrophic age-related macular degeneration: the Zeaxanthin and Visual Function Study (ZVF) FDA IND #78, 973. Optometry. 2011 Nov;82(11):667-80. doi: 10.1016/j.optm.2011.06.018. PMID: 22050943.
Johnson EJ. Role of lutein and zeaxanthin in visual and cognitive function throughout the lifespan. Nutr Rev. 2014 Jan;72(1):57-63. doi: 10.1111/nure.12081. Epub 2014 Jan 17. PMID: 24533607.
Ma L, Lin XM. Effects of lutein and zeaxanthin on aspects of eye health. J Sci Food Agric. 2010 Jan 15;90(2):2.
Olmedilla B, Granado F, Blanco I, Vaquero M. Lutein, but not alpha-tocopherol, supplementation improves visual function in patients with age-related cataracts: a 2-y double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot study. Nutrition. 2003 Jan;19(1):21-4. doi: 10.1016/s0899-9007(02)00827-4. PMID: 12507634.
Koushan K, Rusovici R, Li W, et al. The role of lutein in eye-related disease. Nutrients. 2013 May 28;5(5):1823-39. doi: 10.3390/nu5051823. PMID: 23708131; PMCID: PMC3705341.
Sala-Vila, A., Díaz-López, A., Valls-Pedret, C., Cofán, M., García-Layana, A., Lamuela-Raventós, R. M., ... & Ros, E. (2020). Dietary marine ω-3 fatty acids and incident sight-threatening retinopathy in middle-aged and older individuals with type 2 diabetes: Prospective investigation from the PREDIMED trial. JAMA Ophthalmology, 138(1), 82-90.
Guo, X., Kong, X., Huang, R., Jin, L., Ding, X., He, M., & Liu, X. (2020). Extract of Ginkgo biloba leaves improves visual field damage in patients with normal-tension glaucoma. Medicine, 99(11), e19456.
Kim, J. H., Kim, J. H., & Yu, Y. S. (2020). The effect of bilberry extract on retinal ganglion cell viability in experimental glaucoma. Korean Journal of Ophthalmology, 34(1), 49-56.
Park, S. Y., Jin, M. L., Yi, E. H., Kim, Y., & Park, G. (2020). Curcumin stimulates the antioxidant mechanisms in mouse skin exposed to UVB irradiation. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 21(3), 1071.
Obana A, Hiramitsu T, Gohto Y, et al. The supplementation effect of green tea catechins on oxidant status and lens opacity rate. J Ophthalmol. 2011;2011:972031. doi: 10.1155/2011/972031. Epub 2011 May 19. PMID: 21687541; PMCID: PMC3110835.
Vyas P, Jain S, Shukla A, et al. Nutritional Aspects of Essential Trace Elements in Oral Health and Disease: An Extensive Review. Scientifica (Cairo). 2016;2016:5464373. doi: 10.115
Chandra A, Srivastava VK. Medicinal Attributes of Garlic: A Review. Med Aromat Plants (Los Angel). 2014;3(4):167. doi: 10.4172/2167-0412.1000167. PMID: 29503709; PMCID: PMC5833400.

Alpha Lipoic Acid

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Posted by Kurt (Riverview, Florida, Usa) on 01/21/2011
★★★★★

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Alpha Lipoic Acid for Cataracts

During the last two years I have been testing the effects of nutrients on my glaucoma and cataracts (not for my myopia and accommodation which have improved recently after I asked for weaker lenses and asigmatism ? but I don't know if nutrients made a difference). For me the cataracts went away in less than a year (both eyes; first evidence noticed in a week) with 100 mg of alpha lipoic acid per day. Last month (after having started pine bark extract [200 mg] for my tinnitus) the doc said I've got new ones ? so I doubled the ALA dose.

After the cataracts had gone away The first time the glaucoma (by retinal, optic nerve, and visual field evidence) went away after I had started 1 g fish oil (w/ EPA and DHA omega-3s).

For others the lack of those nutrients may not seem to be the problem, and it's worth knowing that I was already taking extra vitamin C (1 g for colds resistance), D (2000 IU for bone health, etc. ), Calcium (500 mg with Mg for osteoporosis), E (400 IU for benefits including eye health), and iodine-iodide (Lugol's soln. 12 mg for benefits including eye health). That's on top of a Paleo diet for ten years that is mostly raw, organic vegetables, sprouts, fruits, nuts, fish (wild salmon) And fowl. At age 66 now, my BP has been about 110/70 at 55, blood chem perfect, And I've had to continue prescription drops for my elevated IOP for lack of a natural alternative.

Astaxanthin

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Posted by Ben (Bremerton, Washington ) on 03/08/2016
★★★★★

Editor's Choice

Don't even think of trying dmso in concentrated form for cataracts! it burns. Dmso dehydrates the skin in seconds this is why straight dmso stings like crazy when applied to skin. Dmso must be diluted at least 50 percent before use. All dmso is 99.85% pure. The stuff from the feed store is just fine. Same purity. A better way to take the dmso might be to drink it or apply it topically to your skin. Dmso travels around going to where it is needed quite easily.

As for cataracts and eye health you are not getting enough antioxidants. The corneas have a blood filtering mechanism called the blood corneal barrier. It prevents impurities found in the blood from entering the eyes and clouding them. molecules of most antioxidants are too big to flow through the blood corneal barrier. On the other hand the eyes need nutrients and especially oxygen which are impaired by blood conditions like rouleaux. This is a fancy word for thick sticky blood cells all clumped together.

See darkfield microscopy / rouleaux /serrapeptase youtube.

The capillaries are so tiny that blood cells must pass single file. When blood cells are stuck together like glue they can not pass through the capillaries. Now think about that a minute. If your blood cells are all stuck together how can they oxygenate various parts of the body like the corneas? they cant pass through and deliver oxygen at a cellular level. Lacking adequate blood flow through the corneas means chronic low oxygen levels in the corneas. this brings on free radical damage then the corneas start clouding up with cellular debris. Reverse all that by changing your diet to lots of fresh raw vegetables full of antioxidants, lots of super oxide dismutase a free radical scavenger, n-acetyl cysteine and the most powerful antioxidant known for eye health astaxanthin. This stuff is very good for the eyes. I highly urge you to do it every day. Astaxanthin has a very small molecule size meaning it slips right through the blood corneal barrier with ease. Astaxanthin is 50 times more powerful than vitamin c for eye health. You are very deficent on vitamin c by the way!!! Now if you are a smoker then that is where 99.9 percent of your problem originates. Cigarette smoke causes the capillaries to constrict and even further limiting the amount of oxygen your corneas are receiving to practically nothing.

So what else unsticks blood cells and cleans the blood of unwanted debris? Serrapeptase. It scrubs blood cells and cleans out the trash found floating in the blood steam. This means having cleaner blood and better oxygen delivery. Sound like a good idea? See a naturopath if you can, your eyes are very important. To have health in one part of the body you must bring health to all parts of the body. Drink lots of carrot juice! see ya

Can-C (N-Acetylcarnosine Drops)

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Posted by KS (Glenview, IL) on 07/01/2021
★☆☆☆☆

NAY

I had a cataract in my right eye-tried every drop there is. I first used Can-C for a year or more. After spending hundreds of dollars on drops, I still had to have surgery, as I was virtually blind in that eye, by that time. The drops may have delayed the inevitable (?) I had even listened to Sapien Medicine & Rife frequencies twice a day. Now, I have a bad cataract in the left eye. Since I've given up on drops, I'm only listening to the frequencies. So, far that hasn't worked. Overall, I have a good diet & take some supplements, which vary, don't smoke or drink. I couldn't see myself doing the castor oil, so can't speak to that. Good luck everyone, hope to hear about a cure soon.

Replied by mmsg
(somewhere, europe)
07/01/2021

KS, what helped me was not Castor Oil IN the eyes, but on the lashes and lids. When I remember, I just dab on a little before bed, and if there's anything left on my eyes in the morning, it gets washed off. If I'm remembering the numbers correctly, I went from a 6 to a 2 in probably a year.

Replied by Peg
(Charlottesville, Va)
12/25/2022

Following links suggested above by Ben from Washington, on proteolitic enzymes, I feel they are good for many issues, including eyes, that are impacted by impure blood where blood cannot deliver oxygen. With the eyes, issues can occur due to the lack of oxygen to the cornea. Please watch:

https://youtu.be/s_PUPaszHAc

Can-C (N-Acetylcarnosine Drops)

Posted by robert (michigan) on 04/25/2021
★☆☆☆☆

I also tried the can c eye drop. no noticable difference. I tried the castor oil on eye lids as well. I am now going ayurvedic, rubbing castor oil in my belly button. laugh, but it is supposed to help skin or hair...

Replied by Glen
(AR)
06/19/2022

Well, it has been over a year of using castor oil in your belly button. How's the hair?

Can-C (N-Acetylcarnosine Drops)

Posted by Kathy (Illinois) on 09/07/2020
★☆☆☆☆

I bought Can-C drops, and have been using them for a year now with no improvement. I guess I am just in that percentage of people it doesn't work on. Maybe my cataract was just too advanced. You are supposed to see improvement in four to six months.

Replied by Mmsg
(Somewhere, Europe)
09/07/2020

Kathy, shmearing a drop of good Castor Oil on the eyelids before bed, did help my cataracts get smaller. It took several months.

Can-C (N-Acetylcarnosine Drops)

Posted by Eleanor (Red Lodge, Montana) on 12/22/2011
★★★★★

Dear friends, there is a tried and true method for dogs and I am hoping it can be replicated more cheaply. It is developed in the Soviet Union and is available online for $140 or so a tiny bottle-but it works. It is called ____ and contains an amino acid, l-acytlcarnitine. I thought since it had carnitine in it it might be a nutrient found in beef?? Trying to break it down to something local, natural and affordable. But it completely clears up my old dog's cataracts and can be used less for maintenance. Not approved for humans. The sooner you start it the better. About 2-3 times a day at first, then when they're clear, about a few times a week, depending upon the dog, for maintenance. I stop it except for watering down remnants in the bottle during the winter when she's less active and a bottle lasts me most of the summer if I husband it. Gives her practical sight vs. Bumping into things. Miraculous and real. Online accessible. If anyone can replicate it through foods, supplements, please tell me. My vet gets it for me but anyone can order it. Merry Christmas!

Replied by Nickie
(Ruislip, Uk)
02/18/2012

The amino acid is actually not carnitine but Carnosine which is obtainable as eyedrops. Apparently it can also be taken orally which also benefits the complexion.

Replied by Karin
(California)
08/22/2022
★★★★★

Thanks for your input on Can-C for dogs. I accomplished the same for my 125lb shepherd with a product called NuVet, a 1-a-day wafer from a company by the same name. It took 1 month and he went from mistaking my finger for a tasty carrot treat to leading the way on a moonless desert hike in unfamiliar terrain. I recommend the product highly for anyone whose dogs are getting those white glazed over eyes as they age.

Can-C (N-Acetylcarnosine Drops)

Posted by Dud (From The Woods Of, Wv, Usa) on 12/06/2011
★★★★★

I don't have cataracts, and have never used any products to cure them, or halt them. In my reading on the internet a few weeks ago, I came across this information about some eye-drops that have been tested on cataract patients, and it was said that they were proven to help many patients both 1. Halt the deterioration, 2. Reverse the cataract damage partially, perhaps totally in some cases. The eye-drops were developed by a russian man.

I do not know if they will work for you, or not. Have someone help you do some research on it.

------------------------------

http://www.ehow.com/about_6647621_carnosine-cataracts.html
Carnosine for Cataracts
By Katina Blue, eHow Contributor

Carnosine for Cataracts - Carnosine in eye drop form is effective for treating cataracts.

Every eye has a lens that is similar to the lens of a camera. The lens helps with vision clarity, and it aids in focusing on objects. Cataracts is a condition that causes cloudiness to develop in an eye lens. It can cause impaired vision and blindness if untreated. Although surgery is generally used to treat cataracts, carnosine eye drops are effective for reversing this condition.

History

In 1987, Dr. Alan Babizhayev, a Russian researcher, and his colleagues were the first to propose L-carnosine, a form of carnosine, as a possible treatment for cataracts. They developed N-acetylcarnosine eye drops to treat the condition. After the drops were used in human and animal clinical trials, positive results were documented. Since then, other research studies have been done on carnosine's effects on cataracts.

Description
Carnosine is a molecule composed of two amino acids, alanine and histidine. It is a natural antioxidant found in several tissues of the body, including heart muscle, skeletal muscle and the brain. Low levels of a certain type of carnosine are also naturally produced in your eyes. Carnosine is generally administered in eye drop form to treat cataracts. In addition to treating cataracts, carnosine is used to treat ulcers, reverse aging and heal wounds.

Function
When a buildup of protein forms on an eye's lens, abnormal clumps develop, causing a cataract to form. The clumps of protein cause the opaque appearance of a cataract affected eye. Carnosine stops the formation of these clumps and helps to dissolve the cataract. It also prevents glycation, a chemical process that interferes with cell function by causing a reaction between blood sugars and proteins in the lenses of our eyes.

Side Effects
As of 2010, there are no documented side effects to using carnosine. When used in very high doses, some short-term effects of it are drowsiness and shallow sleep. Although no major side effects have been reported, watch for any reactions after use and report any abnormalities to your physician.

Effectiveness
Various studies done on humans and animals show that carnosine effectively dissolves cataracts over time. According to Dr. Babizhayev, when a group of cataract patients was treated with carnosine eye drops, 41. 5 percent showed a significant improvement in vision clarity and 88. 9 percent improved in regard to sensitivity and glare. These patients were studied over 24 months and the effectiveness was sustained during that time.
-------------------------------------------
http://wisechoicemedicine.net/store/index.php
Non-Surgical Cataract Reversal

"N-Acetyl-Carnosine (Can-CTM) Cataract Eye Drops - Approved by Innovative Vision Products.. "
"In clinical trials 90% had improvement in visual acuity.. " Patients instilled 2 drops of Can-CTM into each eye 2 to 4 times a day, for a period of 6 months. These results set an unprecedented benchmark for the treatment and reversal of cataracts and other eye disorders.. "Clinical Trials

Initial Results in only 3 months time.. Optimal Results within 6 - 12 months!

Over the last 10 years this, non-invasive, N-acetylcarnosine eye drop, has generated Thousands of reports of Safe and Effective Cataract Reversal

Mark Babizhayev MA, PhD, is the principle Russian researcher behind the development of N-acetylcarnosine eye drops for the treatment of cataract. Meet Dr. Mark Babizhayev MA PhD
There are no more doubts regarding the effectiveness of this miraculous eye repair in a drop that originated from years of Russian research.

Can-C Eye Drops applied for 6-months, (twice daily into the eye), in patients suffering from senile cataract, had the following results:
90% had an improvement in visual acuity.
88.9% had an improvement of glare sensitivity.
41.5% had an improvement of the transmissivity of the lens.

"I used Can-C eye drops for 4-months with amazing results. My vision in my left eye improved from 20/40 to 20/25 and upon renewal of my driving license, the eye glass restriction was eliminated! "
Richard Lippman MD, Hawaii

Testimonials
To date Dr. Babizhayevs' N-Acetylcarnosine eye drop is the only cataract treatment that has been proven in controlled clinical trials to be effective in the treatment of cataracts and safe for long term use. Look for the following statement on any box you purchase to be sure you are purchasing Dr. Babizhayevs' patent protected formula. - "Approved by Innovative Vision Products.. "

Learn why Dr. Babizhayevs' N-Acetylcarnosine eye drops are the only ones that actually work- click here!
http://wisechoicemedicine.net/store/information.php?info_id=21

Carnosine

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Posted by Naomi (Chassell, Mi Usa) on 05/08/2012
★★☆☆☆

Carnosine eye drops are made by several companies. I bought a brand for abour $25.50-lasts about 1 month. I bought another brand & found the exact same packaging & ingedients for almost double the price. I have been using it for 5 months for cataracts without noticing a difference. I was told it works for 90% of people.

Castor Oil

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Posted by Betty (Binghamton NY) on 05/09/2023
★★★★★

Cararacts/ Castor Oil

Make sure when you use Castor Oil on Cataracts that you don't waste your time and eyesight on Castor Oil that is inferior. Get 1) Organic 2) Cold-Pressed 3) Hexane-free and 4) Glass Bottled. Never use plastic bottled Oil. You want the best product to get the best results.

Castor Oil

Posted by Sankie (South Africa) on 07/07/2022
★★★★★

Editor's Choice

I start using castor oil as well. At first, my eyes seemed to get more blurry. But now I have seen an improvement. It was explained to me this way. The oil starts off by dissolving the top part of the cataract. That makes your eyes see things blotchy and it thus looks as if the oil does not work. Then the oil will dissolve the thinning sections normally the outer parts. Your eyes will then begin to look clearer in the distancing sight. The longer you use it the more cataract will dissolve until your sight is back to normal. This can take up to a year. It totally depends on the thickness of the cataract. I have been using it for a few months and only now are my eyes getting better.

Do not stop, keep at it, it really works.

Also do not stop at all. If your eyes are corrected, use it once every few days as a cataract might develop again.

Replied by Island Girl
(Gc, Ci)
08/21/2022

Hello Sankie, how long have you been using the castor oil? Do you put it IN the eye or ON the eyelids? How many drops? How long it takes for each part of what you said above to take place? Did a doctor explain the above to you? The explanation does sound to be good and gives me hope. I have been using it for about 3 months and was about to give up. I do see better in the distance now, though. You have given me renewed hope.

Replied by Susan Paul
(Kenya)
11/23/2022

Thanks for the information. Which type of Castor Oil are you using?

Replied by Terry
(Las Cruces)
01/26/2023

What was your castor oil regimen? Did you take it only at night, or day and night? How many drops?

Replied by Gaye
(Brisbane Australia)
11/19/2023

Hi, I have been using pure coconut oil in my eyes for a couple of years now but not every day, and am having my cataract surgery tomorrow..

Because I do not like using pharmaceutical chemical drops in my precious eyes, I use it for when my eyes get dry and a bit itchy, and it stops the dryness and itchiness for days
So I hope you do well with it.

Castor Oil

Posted by Violet Brown (Texas) on 09/12/2020
★★☆☆☆

Castor Oil for Cataracts

Dr. Norm Shealy has been using castor oil to treat cataracts in his patients for decades. He does many clinical studies, and he has found an 80% success rate among his patients who followed his castor oil cataract protocol. For me, it was a total failure.

Castor Oil

Posted by Arpad (Ohio) on 10/29/2019
★★★★★

Editor's Choice

I too have cataracts, had lens replacement surgery on left eye and not real happy with the outcome. I can see the periphery of the lens which makes everything look like a piece of "Picasso", artwork. I had pain in my right eye. It was suggested that it was caused by elevated pressure (glaucoma). I found that putting two, (2) drops of caster oil in the eye at bedtime completely eliminated the eye pain and is very slowly showing slight improvement in clarity. I now use the oil in both eyes at bedtime. It does seem to make my nose a bit runny. The oil also stopped itching due to dry eyes. I wish I'd known this sooner. I now search for natural solutions for everything before considering the often toxic and damaging pharma crap. Good wishes for you in all things!

Castor Oil

Posted by Manju (USA) on 03/11/2019

I recently had eye surgery in my right eye. It has been more than three months. Sometimes I feel that there is some dirt in the eye but does not come out. Now days I am also having pain in my eye. I got operation done in my country India. I live in USA. Please let me know if anybody knows any remedy for this kind of problem after the surgery. My left eye also has cataract and the vision in that eye is totally blurry. Please help.

Replied by Kim
(Tennessee)
10/21/2019

Hey Manju, my personal experience after my surgery was the same as yours. I went back to the doctor twice thinking something for sure was in it. My doctor said it was dry eyes. Dry eyes tear a lot and they feel like something is in the eye. It was hard for me to believe but I accepted his opinion. I learned that good quality salmon oil capsules taken by mouth will help dry eyes and it did, ending my symptoms. Kim

martiele swanko
(miami)
10/13/2022

i heard testosterone removes dry eye for good. Google tahoma clinic eye videos.

Replied by Zander
(Usa)
09/12/2020

I noted you posted your comment in March. That is a season when allergies might just be starting to be an issue. Allergies can develop (and go away) at any time. The dryness and thing in your eye that won't go away really sound like allergy symptoms to me. I had a "phantom eyelash" in my eye until a friend told me it sounded like allergies. Then I knew what to do. CoQ10 can help & try taking vitamin C ....good vitamin C, not ascorbic acid. Something with acerola & rose hips. Ester-C is OK and readily available. Otherwise order NOW Vitamin C and take several grams a day. There is no way to take too much vitamin C. Your body will flush what it cannot use (which makes is a cure for constipation as well.) And get back to your healthy native Indian diet! It's full of vitamins and healthy fats.

Castor Oil

Posted by Dlbnext (Maumee, Oh) on 09/12/2017
★☆☆☆☆

Using cold-pressed castor oil 2 months now for cataracts. No change

Castor Oil

Posted by Lilli (Wa) on 05/04/2017 13 posts
★☆☆☆☆

I've used castor oil as an eye drop for nearly 1 year. I have seen no difference in my vision or the density of my cataract. It does not sting and hasn't caused any harm. I don't find the drops particularly soothing either. You may get different results. If you choose to try it, use only organic, cold-pressed, hexane free castor oil. I bought mine on Amazon and fill a small blue glass dropper bottle. Use one drop in each eye before bedtime.

Replied by Karan
(NY)
01/15/2021

Editor's Choice Castor oil will "draw out" as well as push itself deep when used on the skin (lighter molecular weight than any other oil, great as a carrier). Because of it's ability to "draw out" (I'm not sure how else to describe it), if you put castor oil in a plastic bottle, it will draw plastic into itself ... and then push it into YOU when you use it. All the local natural food stores around me sell it only in plastic.

So I went hunting. I found one in a glass bottle that was 100% Pure, USDA Certified, non GMO, Cold Pressed, Extra Virgin & Hexane Free on Amazon by Dr Marisol. I've never had a problem using this oil. If you're going to use it medicinally - internally or externally - these variables matter. Get the best quality you can afford.

Cataracts
Natural Remedies

Slowing Cataract Progression: Evidence-Based Natural Remedies

Supplements for Cataracts

Alpha-Lipoic Acid (ALA)

Vitamin C

Vitamin E

Lutein

Zeaxanthin

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Herbs for Cataracts

Ginkgo Biloba

Bilberry

Turmeric

Lifestyle Changed for Cataracts

Quit Smoking

Limit Alcohol Consumption

Maintain a Healthy Diet

Wear Sunglasses

Manage Diabetes

Exercise Regularly

Precautions and Recommended Doses

Consultation with a Healthcare Professional

Conclusion

Citations:

Related Links:

Alpha Lipoic Acid

1 User Review

Astaxanthin

1 User Review

Can-C (N-Acetylcarnosine Drops)

6 User Reviews

Carnosine

1 User Review

Castor Oil

18 User Reviews

Cataracts
Natural Remedies

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Pets

Health Ailments

Cataracts Natural Remedies

Slowing Cataract Progression: Evidence-Based Natural Remedies

Supplements for Cataracts

Alpha-Lipoic Acid (ALA)

Vitamin C

Vitamin E

Lutein

Zeaxanthin

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Herbs for Cataracts

Ginkgo Biloba

Bilberry

Turmeric

Lifestyle Changed for Cataracts

Quit Smoking

Limit Alcohol Consumption

Maintain a Healthy Diet

Wear Sunglasses

Manage Diabetes

Exercise Regularly

Precautions and Recommended Doses

Consultation with a Healthcare Professional

Conclusion

Citations:

Related Links:

Alpha Lipoic Acid

1 User Review

Astaxanthin

1 User Review

Can-C (N-Acetylcarnosine Drops)

6 User Reviews

Carnosine

1 User Review

Castor Oil

18 User Reviews

CataractsNatural Remedies

You must be logged in to this post! Please sign in:

Cataracts
Natural Remedies

Cataracts
Natural Remedies