Alpha Lipoic Acid
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.
Washington, Dc, District Of Columbia, USA
09/02/2012
A month ago, at the end of July, I had my eyes examined at the Medical Center as preparation for renewal of my driver's license, which was to expire in August 2012 on my 81st birthday.
I told them at that time that I felt that I was able to see better without my glasses than with them except for reading fine print in dim light, or for driving at night with the glare of oncoming headlights. The results of that examination were unnerving. My vision was certified at 20/30 left eye, 20/40 right eye, which of course was satisfactory for purposes of the DMV, but the doctor also told me I had cataracts in both eyes and after more definitive eye examination, they may want to discuss cataract surgery with me along with an updated prescription for new bifocals.
So on August 31st I went in for the "more definitive" eye examination. The result of these tests was 20/20 vision in both eyes and no evidence of cataracts! The doctors asked me what I had been doing differently. I told them I had been taking a new supplement called NAC 600, primarily for my heart condition, but more recently I had been experimenting with 2 drops of pharmaceutical grade Castor Oil in each eye at bedtime each night for the month of August. Their jaws dropped. The doctors were incredulous. They said they had never, ever heard of using castor oil for the eyes before. They said cataracts are not reversible except by surgical procedure.
I told them I found the research on castor oil and NAC on the internet, at various natural medicine web sites. They took notes and entered the information into my VA medical records. They told me no eye glasses need be prescribed since my vision was now 20/20. My eye pressure was about the same as it has been for the past year or so, validating the decision last October to take me off glaucoma prescription eye drops. While a little on the high end (26 left eye, 29 right eye), it appeared to be stabilized, so as far as they were concerned, I was no longer on the glaucoma suspect category that I have been on for the past 20 or so years. And while cataract surgery is the most frequently practiced surgical procedure in America today, it appears at least for the time being that I have successfully avoided cataract surgery by using that three thousand year old remedy known as Castor Oil. The doctor's want to track my eye health with follow up testing and have set up appointments for further eye exams going forward. I'm sure that I am now the "talk" of the VA eye clinic.
So, while my eyes are still a mite cloudy sometimes and when doing close reading of fine print in dim light I need reading glasses, it seems that I am now back to 20/20 vision after less than one month of castor oil eye drops! After all these years (more than two decades! ) on the glaucoma suspect list and a driver's license requiring eye glasses for driving. I will now get back to the doctors to ask for re-certification to get the eye glasses requirement off my driver's license.
Now I am continuing the castor oil application nightly for the present. But I have also continued my research and have developed a new treatment after reading about the anti-oxidant supplement N-acetyl carnosine (NAC eye drops) which, in the eye drop form, are reputed to protect the eyes against glaucoma, macular degeneration, and cataracts, and are prescribed by many practicing ophthmologists today.
I am also watching my "liver spots" on the backs of my hands disappear with nightly castor oil massages.
I credit the Budwig Protocol of flaxseed oil and cottage cheese, with fresh-ground flax seeds, in combination with the Castor Oil, with a all of my health improvements - renewed vigor, vitality, and vision health. After several years of FO/CC I noticed my eye sight was progressively improving, and that in general I could see better without than with eyeglasses. I had no way of discerning whether my vision was improving or whether I just needed a new eye glass prescription. But when the doctor discontinued my glaucoma eye drops last October, I credited flaxseed oil and cottage cheese regimen. I credit FO/CC in combination with the Castor Oil drops with the reversal of my deteriorating vision and beginnings of cataracts. The doctors just smile and say very little.
Raleigh, Nc
09/05/2012
Can you be more specific on the source of the nac eye drops and where to get them?
Tampa, Fl
06/04/2014
I posted the following on January 21,2011 but it seems to have vanished. Slightly updated today.
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 astigmatism – 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.
06/04/14 (IOP = Intra Ocular Pressure; 12 mg Lugol's 2% is 4 drops). Now 13 years Paleo.
EC: Hi Kurt,
Sorry, one of the moderators mistakenly put your post from 2011 in the "Ted's Remedies" section of the cataracts page. We've fixed the title so it's appearing now under Alpha Lipoic Acid and attached this post to it.
Fairfield, Il.
11/23/2015
Carotenoids and cutting out sugar is very helpful to bring down pressure in the eyes.
Fayetteville, North Carolina
03/08/2017
I love castor oil after reading her experience with reducing cataracts and better vision I love it even better. Edgar Cayce what a great source, the "readings" used castor oil for number ailments.
Nm
03/27/2017
Ca
03/27/2017
Naperville Il
10/11/2017
Hygiene, Colorado
01/22/2018
You can google the budwig diet--it is very common and good for many many things- just know you need to grind the flax seeds do not use them whole to absorb the nutrients.
EC: See also: https://www.earthclinic.com/remedies/budwig-diet.html
Aniseed, Coriander, Carrot Juice
I just went to an Ayurvedic bookstore and read in a book that aniseed mixed with coriander (1) and fresh carrot juice (2) drank daily might be a remedy for cataracts. I am going to try it out.
Usa
01/15/2016
Kerala (India)
12/16/2016
Apple Cider Vinegar
Have you heard of using apple cider vinegar to treat cataracts by cleansing the eye with it?
Corpus Christi, Tx
09/20/2011
New York, Ny
04/04/2014
Glutathione is found in very high concentrations in the lens of the eye and plays a vital role in keeping the lens healthy. Specifically, glutathione functions as an antioxidant, maintains the structure of the lens proteins, acts in various enzyme systems, and participates in amino acid and mineral transport. Glutathione levels are diminished in virtually all forms of cataracts. To raise glutathione levels, eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables. Fruits and vegetables containing the most glutathione per serving include asparagus, peppers, carrots, onion, broccoli, avocados, squash, spinach, garlic, tomatoes, grapefruit, apples, oranges, peaches bananas and melon. The glutathione content in these foods is substantially higher than in their cooked counterparts. Dr. Murray has found that not only can the progression of cataract formation be stopped, but it can even be reversed in the early stages. However, significant reversal of well-developed cataracts does not appear possible at this time. In cases of marked vision impairment, cataract removal and lens implant may be the only alternative. As with most diseases, prevention or treatment at an early stage is most effective. Here is the website with the information http://doctormurray.com/health-conditions/cataracts/
Carnosine
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!
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.
Chassell, Mi Usa
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.
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-C) Cataract Eye Drops - Approved by Innovative Vision Products.. "
"In clinical trials 90% had improvement in visual acuity.. " Patients instilled 2 drops of Can-C 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.. "
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Edinburgh, Scotland
04/09/2013
Please research and read about Urine therapy for cataracts. Lots of information online. Tried it for first time this am, no smarting, pain or unpleasantness. Eyebath flicked eye about 20-30 times. Changed the liquid and did the other eye. Contact lens wearer with poor eyesight I shall perseverse and watch with interest. Taking internally as well.
Castor Oil
| 5 star (3) | 27% | |
| 1 star (5) | 45% | |
 (3) |
27% |
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.
Warning! I got USP organic castor oil to use for cataracts. I put one drop in each eye. A few minutes later my eyes hurt, I was nauseated and had trouble breathing, and felt weak. I immediately used eye wash to thoroughly wash out each eye. I felt somewhat better but continued to have problems throughout the next day. I looked up the symptoms of a bad reaction to castor oil and it was as I described.
Castor oil stays in your system anywhere from 4 to 18 hours. My advice is don't try this for the first time when you're alone - you may need to someone to call for help. Try a smaller amount to start and have something available to wash out your eye if you need it. The literature I read said the bad side effects can accumulate if you continue to use the castor oil. You won't know if you'll have bad side effects unless you try the castor oil.
Thankfully I recovered but it took at least 18 hrs for all effects to dissipate. This won't happen to everyone but please be aware.
If you've never used it before I would start by rubbing it on my skin first allowing your body a chance to become familiar with the substance and to see if you have any reaction. In which case if you do, you wouldn't use in the eyes.
Illinois
10/03/2017
Could be an allergy. I have read the castor oil must be hexane free.
I tried the Castor Oil in my eyes and each time my heart rate accelerated so I had to stop. Anyone know why this would happen?
North Carolina
12/28/2015
Your accelerated heart rate may quite likely be due to your being allergic to the castor oil. Have read in many journals that one way to test food allergy is to take your pulse before and again after eating a food. If it increases that's a very good indication you are allergic. I have found that to be a great indicator. So since you absorb the castor oil through your skin it would react the same way. I am allergic myself to Castor Oil, otherwise would try it for cataracts but think I'll try the carnosine approach but will definitely muscle test before putting in my eyes. Good luck with your journey!
Omaha, Ne
05/28/2016
Food for thought: I talked to a fellow who worked at a local health-food store, and told him my woeful tale about using Castor oil for my cataract. He shook his head, and said he had several customers tell him that FLAXSEED OIL was the ticket, not the Castor oil. I researched it on the Internet, but could only find a very few sparse references to using flaxseed oil for cataracts--and most of that was on dogs.
Me, I'm not gonna try it. If one of you brave souls want to give it a spin, look into it. If you try flaxseed oil, tell us how/if it works for you.....
Hong Kong
05/30/2016
I buy cold pressed castor oil. It is hexane free and organic, Have been using it for 3 months and it softens the eye lens and has helped me see better.
Can somebody tell me me which castor oil to use for cataract? Is it cold pressed, cold processed organic? and where to buy?
Arizona
12/23/2014
I went to Sprouts and found the Now brand of Castor Oil which says it is 100% pure and on the back of the bottle it says that it is considered food grade and that is what you should use. Don't use the other castor oil product that even says not to use in your eyes but only in a pack on your body elsewhere. It feels good in my eyes and I will let you know when it dissolves my cataract. I am putting 2 drops in my cataract eye and one in my other eye. Good luck!
Kamloops, Bc Canada
01/16/2015
Il
02/09/2015
New Brighton, Mn
04/07/2015
Go to https://normshealy.com/castor-oil-for-cataracts/ -- he says "Each night, at bedtime, place into each eye one drop of USP castor oil. The reason for bedtime is that the vision will be clouded for a while because of the oil, but it is used up overnight. DO NOT USE THE CASTOR OIL YOU WOULD USE FOR CASTOR OIL PACKS OR BATHS! Cataracts disappear over 2 to 6 months, depending on the degree of development..."
Usa
01/15/2016
Tennessee
02/03/2016
Omaha, Ne
05/22/2016
DON'T DO IT.
I was getting my cataract under control with Oclumed eye drops, then switched to the (organic, cold-pressed, hexane-free) castor oil therapy; a week later, I'm practically blind in my cataract eye now---the cloudiness is horrible, easily twice as bad as it was before. All I did was stop using the Oclumed, and (foolishly) went on the castor oil regimen---I didn't do ANYTHING different than before. Now I'm praying that the Oclumed can bring me back to where I was before I decided to try this stupid experiment.
Somewhere, Europe
05/22/2016
Ky
05/22/2016
This looks like a case of nutrient deficiency. Low antioxidant status plus other nutrients necessary for eye health prevent many or most chronic eye diseases.
For many yrs there was an natural formula called "Occuguard" which contains many good nutrients for eyes, but I don't know if it's still marketed in this name; or go to local or online health food store for similar formula.
The ingredients list should contain as many of the fallowing nutrients as possible:
- Taurine
- Billberry herb
- Lutein
- Zeaxanthin
- Vit-A (Cod Liver Oil)
- Eyebright herb
- Zinc
These nutrients should restore your vision shortly and should not negative interact with the Oclumed product you are taking, however it would be safe to read the "interactions & warnings" labels on the product. If you could disclose what exactly this product contains that would help, but it appears a non-natural product and for short term use.
Omaha, Ne
05/25/2016
Omaha, Ne
05/25/2016
Omaha, Ne
05/28/2016
Just wanted to let you know: I found "Ocuguard PLUS" at a local health-food store, and decided to give it a try. I also have some Eyesight Rx tablets coming through the mail, but I'll wait until I eat up the Ocuguard first. I hope you're right about it helping to restore my eyesight....I've been saturation-bombing my cataract eye with 8 drops of Oclumed every day, and I'm just now starting to detect slight gains in my eyesight again. The problem is, it's a slowwwww process, and patience ain't something I'm noted for when it comes to treating my illnesses. ;-)
Malibu, Ca
03/07/2017
Naperville, Il
08/20/2017
I had very small cataracts in eyes 3 years ago (age 66), just had visit to eye Dr. today and confirmed I have perfect eyes. Initially told I had to go with the flow as there was nothing I could do about it other then surgery down the road. However, I have been taking 1-2 drops of " CASTOR OIL " in each eye 5 nights a week for mostly redness/ a little dryness , also a daily warm water compress will relax and add moisture. So stop and rest for 15 minutes daily to revive your eyes. We are so fortunate to have everything at our finger tips and with a little research from these terrific sites we can go natural as that is how it was always meant to be .
Somewhere, Europe
06/26/2014
Lynn, what type of Castor Oil did you use?
North Carolina
03/07/2016
Glastonbury Uk
08/03/2016
Sadly the Castor Oil has not worked for me. I had my eyes tested a year ago and was told that I had a slow growing cataract. Started with the Castor Oil each evening and hoped that when I had my eyes tested again, he would wonder where the cataract had gone. Today's verdict is that it has grown, not diminished, and I now have a letter for the hospital eye specialist.
I have cataracts in Both of my eyes and my eyes do be red and I don't like when people ask me if I been dtinking or smoking and I dont smoke, but I do have a drink or two but that's it. And even when I yawn my eyes turn glassy and red thats my reason for looking online to see how to reverse it. They are small but I was looking online and it says I can put castore oil in my eye. I got some organic castor oil hexane free cold pressed the psalmist from the hertiage store. Is that good to put in my eyes. If I can put it in my eyes how many times a day can I put it in my eyes and exactly how to put it in my eyes meaning do I put it on the pupil or on the corner of my eyes do I close my eye and rub it in or just blink a few times.
Alabama
04/10/2017
I have cataract initial stage and want to avoid surgery of cataract. I hope cataract can reverse using castor oil but it is my eyes and dont want take any risk of dropping castor oil in my eyes.... It is my eyes and dont want to take any risk. It it 100% safe?
Philippines
02/07/2016
I feel a little confused as to which castor oil drops for eyes (cataracts) to buy. Because my eyes are my "eyes", I need to feel reassured that what I put on them is okay, safe (e.g. if castor oil dissolves cataracts, will it dissolve other things related to the eyes too, like good things?).
Also, there are 6 areas that some companies say are important related to putting something on your eyeball. I value knowing facts. I value learning from what anyone knows about these items (so I can understand and choose the right castor oil for my eyes). Thank You. Here they are:
1. Organic
2. Hexane-free
3. Sterile
4. Ozone treated
5. Cold-pressed
6. Pharmaceutical quality
I want to be educated and anything you can share would be MOST appreciated. Thank you, Paul Michael
United Kingdom
03/08/2017
I was recommended the organic hexane free castor oil. I have this morning received it from the USA so have not tried it yet. I have glaucoma in both eyes and use drops every night so will need to use the castor oil during the day. I will give it sometime and then let you know how I get on.
I have now purchased my bottle of cold pressed castor oil.... Just like they say, it doesn't hurt a bit, it feels good. I am desperately trying to get rid of my cataract. First question... How long do I do this treatment? Second question, if it dissolves a cataract, will it destroy or dissolve anything else in the eye that my harm your vision further than what the cataract is doing?
Israel
10/11/2013
I have cataracts and I am at the begining stages. I do not want surgery and have been researching natural cures. I have to admit the thought of putting castor oil in my eyes is more than a scary thought. I think if I just put plain ole motor oil in my eye it would work as well. ( Of course I would never do that ). Anyway I need more info before I put something that drastic in my eye little lone my body. Any information on this subject would be great. jg4837(at)att.net Yes I live in the show me state. Ha
