A cataract clouds the lens of the eyes, making the vision cloudy, foggy, or blurry. This makes it challenging for individuals with cataracts to drive at night, read, or perform other activities efficiently. In most cases, cataracts develop gradually over time and interfere with vision.

Cataract clinical trials determine the effectiveness and success rate of the treatments and procedures to improve the vision of individuals with cataracts and find ways to prevent them.

Why Is Cataract Being Studied Through Clinical Trials?

A cataract is among the leading causes of vision impairment and blindness, with over 65.2 million individuals suffering from it worldwide. This problem gets more common as people age. Over half of America's population either lives with cataracts or has it treated surgically.

While cataract is not noticeable at first, the vision gradually becomes hazy and blurry. This can create problems for individuals in managing their day-to-day activities. If left untreated, it can result in blindness. Therefore, conducting clinical trials and research on cataract treatment and prevention is integral.

What Are The Types of Treatments Available For Cataracts?

Initially, eyeglasses and stronger lights can help individuals manage their vision with cataracts, but cataract surgery is needed when the vision problem starts interfering with everyday activities.

What Are Some Recent Breakthrough Clinical Trials For Cataracts?

2023: The latest breakthrough treatment in the field of cataracts is the ORA (Optiwave Refractive Analysis) technology, which surgeons can utilize for refractive measurements to ensure accurate lens placement and optimal lens power. The ORA machine conducts additional measurements of the eye to provide a better lens measurement during cataract surgery. For a successful surgery, the correct measurement of the eye is required, but the presence of a cataract can impact the measurement. This machine takes more accurate measurements to ensure a successful operation.

2023: Since surgery is the only treatment for cataracts, this clinical study aimed to find a non-surgical treatment and found promising results in a drug-based treatment. The team investigated the use of oxysterol, a chemical compound, for treating cataracts in mice without surgery. The results showed a 61% improvement in lens opacity in more than half mice. These are promising results, but the researchers are looking to confirm this in human clinical trials.

Who Are Some Of The Key Opinion Leaders / Researchers / Institutions Conducting Cataract Clinical Trials Research?

World Cataract Foundation: This foundation offers humanitarian services to eliminate cataract blindness through training and surgery. The main mission is to provide cost-effective, high-quality eye care to underserved areas and eliminate needless blindness.

David W. Shoemaker: Dr. Shoemaker is the founder of the Center for Sight, which is dedicated to providing the best care and treatment for individuals with eye problems, particularly cataracts. So far, he has performed more than 100,000 surgeries to treat cataracts and works on spreading awareness and better care for eyes and vision among the community.

About The Author

Michael Gill - B. Sc.

First Published: October 10th, 2021

Last Reviewed: September 27th, 2023

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