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| Image Tufts University |
Scientists are now testing a solution in dogs that might dissolve the cataract out of the lens.
Out of all things, it seems that a steroid-based eye drops might just do the trick.
Cataracts develop because proteins that make up the lens (crystallins) scramble and form a sheath-like obstruction. One of the steroid compounds naturally produced in the body seems to be involved in keeping the lens healthy.
When applied to an eye with naturally occurring cataract, it leads to its dissolution.
The scientists don't know how exactly it works but the improvement was readily visible.
Eye drops instead of surgery? That is a very exciting premise.
Source article:
Eye drops could dissolve cataracts
Further reading:
Cataracts in Dogs
Cataracts and Cataract Surgery in Dogs
Lanosterol reverses protein aggregation in cataracts