Cataracts Medication

Cataracts are a condition of the eye that causes cloudiness or blurry vision due to the build up or clumping of protein on the lens that inhibits the passage of light to the retina. Cataracts are irreversible and the only form of treatment that can cure cataracts is having a surgical procedure to remove them.

There are also no medications that can cure cataracts and medications are not typically recommended as a form of treatment for their symptoms. However, sometimes medication in the form of eye drops is given to help with vision until surgery is required or can be done to remove the cataract. 

Eye Drops Used for Pupil Dilation That May Relieve the Symptoms of Cataracts 

In some cases when the development of a cataract in the eye is small and near the center of the lens, eye drops may be prescribed that contains phenylephrine that causes the dilation of the pupils of the eye.  This dilation of the pupils can help some individuals with cataracts to see better temporarily.

The most common brand names that contain phenylephrine include Mydfrin, Neo-Synephrine, and AK-Dilate.  Using these eye drop will make the eyes more sensitive to the sun and sunglasses should be worn when outside. 

Medications Used for Cataracts When Other Conditions are Present 

The condition of diabetes can cause an increase in sugars that affect the lenses in the eyes and cause the formation of what are referred to as sugar cataracts. Sometimes medications that include aldose reductase inhibitors are given to individuals who have diabetes that can help delay or prevent the formation of this type of cataract. Individuals who undergo surgery for the removal of cataracts may be prescribed eye drops that contain steroids and antibiotics.