New agents are being studied in an attempt to develop a safe and effective medical treatment so that not everyone with cataracts will have to undergo surgery. Antioxidants like N-acetylcysteine and its precursors may help to reduce oxidation within the lens and prevent the formation of cataracts. Oxysterols such as lanosterol and 5-cholesten-3b,25-diol seem to stabilize proteins in the lens, and break up protein aggregates that make the lens cloudy. Uncertainty remains about the effective dosages, and the ability to reach the appropriate dosages for the lens through topical treatments like eye drops.[1][2]
Are there any other treatments for cataracts?
Written by:
Fact-checked
by:
•Last Updated: May 16, 2025
Research is ongoing into new medical treatments for cataracts, including antioxidants like N-acetylcysteine and oxysterols such as lanosterol, which may help reduce oxidation and stabilize lens proteins. However, there is still uncertainty regarding the effective dosages and the delivery of these treatments through topical methods like eye drops.