Cataracts are generally associated with old age though in some cases it develops at quite a young age owing to genetics. These develop when protein in the lens builds up and prevents light from getting through. This is to be noted that cataracts are one of the leading causes of blindness throughout the world. Currently the only treatment available for cataracts is removing the clouded lens from the eye and then replacing it with an artificial one.
Now in a recent development scientists in California have discovered that the naturally occurring steroid lanosterol possesses the ability to melt away cataracts and prevent them from returning when administered to patients via eye drops. If this gets approval for use in humans, then there is a possibility that it would be available as a non-invasive treatment for individuals with moderate forms of cataracts.
The group of scientists first came to know about this steroid when they came across two children in China who had a hereditary form of this disease. When the team closely observed and examined these two children, they found that the children shared a mutation that blocked the production of the steroid lanosterol. Their parents never developed cataracts though as they lacked this mutation. The team hence deduced that the steroid must have some contribution in the formation of cataracts.
This observation was followed by a series of experiments and an in-depth study which involved testing lanosterol on donated human lenses and live rabbits and dogs. The result obtained from the tests showed that lanosterol contributed significantly in reducing the size of the cataracts. Though this sis till not completely clear as to how this happens, the scientists believe that the steroid prevents the proteins from building up.
It has been reported that if the drops prove to also work on humans, it could pave the way to offering a non-invasive treatment for humans too. If this happens, it would prove to be a good alternative treatment for cataract. The study is already creating quite a stir and everybody is hoping that it may have a very effective treatment in its kitty down the line.
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