Last Updated on November 28, 2023 by Neelam Singh
Quick Take
A social media post claims that eye floaters and cataracts can be completely cured with Castor oil. We fact-checked and found this claim to be Mostly False.
The Claim
An X (previously Twitter) post reads, “They don’t want you to know that you can heal your eyes with Castor Oil All you need is a drop or two in each eye before bed • helps remove floaters • reduces redness/inflammation • clears cataracts Make sure to buy it cold pressed, hexane free, and in glass”
The post reached a whooping 796.5k views till now.
Fact Check
What are eye floaters?
Eye floaters are small, dark shapes that float across your vision. They can look like specks, dots, lines, or cobwebs. Most people have floaters at some point in their lives, and they are usually harmless. They are created when tiny clumps form in the clear, jelly-like substance (the vitreous humour) inside the eyeball. They are suspended in this ‘jelly’, so they move when your eyeball moves. If a person tries to look directly at them, they may seem to disappear.
Can Castor oil cure eye floaters?
No. There is no scientific evidence to support the claim that castor oil can cure eye floaters. While some home remedies and alternative treatments are often suggested for various eye conditions, there is no known cure for eye floaters outside of certain medical interventions. Also, in most cases, they are harmless and don’t need any intervention. In fact, putting castor oil directly in the eye can cause various problems such as eye irritation, reduced tear quality, blurred vision and allergic reactions. It also can block lubricating glands in the eyelid, resulting in dry eyes.
Dr. Aditya Sethi, Cataract, Refractive, Paediatric Ophthalmologist and Strabismus surgeon at Gurgaon states, “While some anecdotal evidence suggests that people use castor oil to alleviate eye floaters, there is no robust scientific support for its efficacy. Eye floaters are often caused by age-related changes in the vitreous humor. Consultation with an ophthalmologist is crucial for a proper diagnosis and recommended treatments, which may not include castor oil.”
If you are concerned about eye floaters or are experiencing new or bothersome floaters, it’s important to consult with an eye specialist, such as an ophthalmologist. They can evaluate your condition, determine the cause of the floaters, and recommend appropriate treatment options if necessary. In some cases, particularly if there’s a more serious underlying eye condition, surgical procedures or laser therapy may be considered.
Can Castor oil cure cataracts?
No. Castor oil is often promoted in alternative medicine as a potential remedy for cataracts, but there is no scientific evidence to support the claim that castor oil can cure or reverse cataracts. Cataracts are a common eye condition that typically develops slowly over time and involves the clouding of the eye’s natural lens. The primary treatment for cataracts is surgical removal of the cloudy lens and its replacement with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL).
Putting castor oil directly in your eye can also be dangerous as it can cause irritation and damage the cornea. And because castor oil is not sterile, using it as eye drops will raise your risk of a dangerous eye infection.
Dr. Sethi further states, “Cataracts are primarily treated through surgical procedures to replace the clouded lens. Castor oil is not recognized as a cure for cataracts within mainstream ophthalmology. Relying on established medical interventions is essential for addressing cataract-related concerns, and seeking professional advice is paramount.”
Various other remedies such as herbal drops are believed to cure cataracts, but this is also not possible.
If you believe you have cataracts or are experiencing vision problems, it’s essential to consult with an eye specialist, such as an ophthalmologist, who can provide you with a proper diagnosis and recommend appropriate treatment options, which may include cataract surgery if necessary.
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