Can Eye Drops Melt Cataracts?

Question: Is it true that there are eye drops that can melt cataracts? Also is there any headway in treatment for diabetes 2, such as nosespray?

Dr. Hibberd's Answer:

Cataracts: There are no drops that will prevent or treat cataracts. Cataracts are the result of opacities that form inside the lens of our eyes located immediately behind the iris (the central colored part of your eye). The healthy lens is able to be adjusted in shape to better focus the images on our retina. The aging or otherwise affected lens loses its flexibility, and when the clarity of the lens is impaired, it is reported as a cataract.

There are no eye drops that have been proven safe and reliable to melt cataracts though there is much research in this area at present. There have been several companies that claim 1 percent N acetyl carnosine drops twice daily for 6-12 months will dissolve cataracts, but review of the FDA database reveals no such approval. There is no evidence based information to support these misleading claims. In fact, the FDA reports Ocuzyne was issued a Warning Letter by the FDA to cease such unproven and unapproved claims in Feb 2005.

Appropriate eye wear protective against UV light is established as preventive for cataract formation. We do believe breakthroughs will be seen soon in these areas, and it is premature to advise any topical recommendation for cataract management.

Let this serve as a warning to all those that rely on "research" on the Internet and on consumer advertising for drug product. The absence of an FDA approval means safety and effectiveness data have not been tested for safety and interactions, and potentially could pose a hazard to your health, not to mention drain on your wallet.

This is a really big issue, as most direct consumer supplement advertising is not FDA regulated since they are viewed as diet supplements as opposed to pharmaceutical products.

Diabetes: This last year has seen major inroads and improvements in options available for management of diabetes. The Glitizone drugs appear to reduce risks of diabetic complications as well as optimize therapy, while the Metformin combination with other agents has revolutionized Type 2 diabetic management that had remained largely unchanged over the prior 20 years.

Patients with diabetes who require insulin supplementation have traditionally had to supplement this hormone by injection. Our first inhaled insulin has recently become available sold under the name of Exubera. It is a rapid-acting inhalation powder that will help reduce the number of injections needed for management of diabetes. No long-acting formulation is yet available.

This form of insulin is delivered by a single inhalation using a specially designed collapsible device with dry-powder insulin blisters that require no electronics, power, or refrigeration. Trials of this product have revealed declines (usually small) in pulmonary (lung) function and hence all patients are advised to have pulmonary function assessed at initiation, six months then annually even in the absence of pulmonary symptoms.

This insulin will revolutionize diabetic management for those who qualify and especially simplify insulin administration for active diabetic patients who presently use multi dose regimens. Ask your doctor to obtain a demonstration device from the manufacturer (Pfizer) so you can see if this is for you.

Much hope is being held out for a nasal formulation being available. There is no commercial FDA approved nasal formulation available for management of diabetes mellitus as of yet.