Cataracts are the leading cause of vision loss worldwide and millions of people with cataracts do not have the access or means to undergoing cataract surgery. Researchers are developing lutein eyedrops that may offer a non-surgical solution to cataract patients.
Eyedrops made up of nanoparticles have been developed at the AgCenter at Louisiana State University. These eyedrops deliver lutein directly to the eye lens. Unlike the macula and retina which require oral lutein supplementation to reach the back of the eye, eyedrops are used in many eye conditions to treat the front of the eye, including the cornea, the anterior chamber and iris. In eyedrop form, the tiny "nanoparticle" delivery method directly to the eye may improve its effect against cataracts in the front of the eye.
Patents are currently being processed for the drops. Lab tests on rats resulted in the size of cataracts being reduced after just a week of use. Further testing, including human tests, are needed. If successful, the drops might offer the first non-surgical treatment for cataracts, or possibly a slowing in the progression of cataracts.