The Medical Advisor

Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), a solvent discovered in the 19th century and explored medically since the 1960s, has garnered attention for its potential in ophthalmology despite FDA restrictions halting much U.S. research. Initially praised for treating diverse conditions, it faced suppression, yet persists in alternative medicine, veterinary applications, and self-experiments for issues like cataracts, macular degeneration, floaters, glaucoma, dry eyes, infections, and retinal diseases. Combined with castor oil, it offers synergistic benefits for hydration and inflammation reduction, supported by anecdotal reports. (1, 2, 7) While not mainstream, its resurgence through online communities highlights non-invasive alternatives to surgery or injections. Update: DMSO and the Eyes: A Complete Guide to Every Eye Condition It May Help Organized by Category — From Dry Eyes to Macular Degeneration, Cataracts, Glaucoma, and Retinal Disease Mechanisms of Action DMSO...

Cataracts are a condition that makes the lens of the eye cloudy, causing blurred vision, much like looking through a foggy window or a smudged camera lens. This occurs due to protein buildup in the eye's lens. Without treatment, cataracts gradually worsen, leading to more vision loss and, eventually, blindness. (1) Cataracts usually develop with age, and they're very common among older adults. Statistics show that more than half of Americans aged 80 or older either have a cataract or have undergone cataract surgery. Besides aging, other risk factors include heavy alcohol use, smoking, diabetes, exposure to harmful substances, certain medications and eye injuries. (2) Currently, about 24.4 million Americans over age 40 are affected by cataracts, and this number is expected to double to about 50 million by 2050 (3). In response to this growing challenge, researchers at the University of Auckland, New Zealand, explored new strategies for cataract treatment by minimizing oxidativ...