Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 1, 2026
Characterization of Molecular Mechanisms of In vivo UVR Induced Cataract
Published on: November 28, 2012
[Cataract prevention. Therapeutic approaches and critical review of current status]
1Abteilung für experimentelle Ophthalmologie, Zentrum für Augenheilkunde des Universitätsklinikums Bonn. a.wegener@uni-bonn.de
Abstract:
Research on the pathophysiology of the lens already in the early days of the last century led to first attempts to clinically influence cataract development with vitamins. More detailed investigation of lens aging and its interaction with internal and external cataract risk factors led to two different therapeutic strategies: (1) compounds or mixtures expected to slow down the aging processes in the lens (food additives) and (2) compounds to reduce or even arrest the effect of a specific harmful factor. Various mixtures expected to influence aging processes were even developed into approved OTC drugs although their effectiveness was never demonstrated. Among those compounds designed to act on a specific pathomechanism, mainly aldose reductase inhibitors were designed and successfully tested in animal studies. None of these,however, could be developed into a market-approved drug. Larger controlled clinical studies have been performed with various compositions of food additives, but also with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as salicylic acid and ibuprofen. None of the clinical trials,however, evidenced any convincing anti-cataract effect of the compounds or mixtures tested such that a successful anti-cataract drug still remains to be developed.
Insights
Despite early attempts, no effective vitamin or drug has been developed to prevent or treat cataracts. Clinical trials show no convincing anti-cataract effects from tested compounds or mixtures.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Lens Physiology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Cataract development research began in the early 20th century, initially exploring vitamin interventions.
- Lens aging and risk factors led to strategies targeting aging processes or specific harmful factors.
- Over-the-counter (OTC) drugs and aldose reductase inhibitors were developed, but without proven efficacy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review historical and current therapeutic strategies for influencing cataract development.
- To evaluate the effectiveness of compounds aimed at slowing lens aging or mitigating specific risk factors.
- To assess the outcomes of clinical trials for various anti-cataract drug candidates.
Main Methods:
- Review of historical research and early therapeutic attempts with vitamins.
- Analysis of strategies involving food additives and compounds targeting specific pathomechanisms (e.g., aldose reductase inhibitors).
- Examination of results from controlled clinical studies involving food additives and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
Main Results:
- Early vitamin interventions and OTC drugs for cataract prevention lacked demonstrated effectiveness.
- Aldose reductase inhibitors showed promise in animal studies but failed in human drug development.
- Clinical trials with food additives and NSAIDs like salicylic acid and ibuprofen did not yield convincing anti-cataract effects.
Conclusions:
- No compound or mixture tested has demonstrated a convincing anti-cataract effect in clinical trials.
- A truly effective anti-cataract drug remains to be developed.
- Further research is needed to identify viable therapeutic strategies for cataract prevention and treatment.
Related Concept Videos
01:27Open Angle Glaucoma: Treatment
Drugs such as carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, α2- and...
01:28Angle Closure Glaucoma: Treatment