Currently, the number of cataract surgeries that every 10, 00, 000 people in India are opting for is 5000. Ideally, the World Health Organization recommends it should be between 3000-6000. Even though the number of surgeries is high, people continue to rely on other alternatives including homeopathy treatment for cataracts.
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Homeopathic medicines for treating cataract
Homeopathy is the first choice of treatment option when patients are detected with cataracts. Homeopathy medicines work by diluting the protein accumulation in the lens and thus, preventing the clumping of the protein resulting in the clouding. In addition to this, people prefer homeopathy as a course of action as there are no cuts or incisions that can result in any infection, blurred vision or retinal detachment.
The common homeopathic medicines prescribed by a homeopathic doctor are- Calcarea Carbonica, Cineraria Maritima, Conium, Silicea, Calcarea Fluorica, Phosphorus and Natrum Muriaticum.
Calcarea carbonica
The main symptom that is rectified with this medicine is the feeling of misty eyesight caused due to cataracts. Also, people who see black spots floating in front of the eyes along with diminishing eyesight are benefitted after taking Calcarea carbonica.
Calcarea fluorica
This is the main homeopathic medicine that can be very useful in treating cataracts. In addition to this, when patients complain of worsening of the symptoms due to weather change, taking this medicine can provide relief considerably. Some of the symptoms that this medicine can alleviate are conjunctivitis, spots on the cornea, hardening of the mass around the eyes, eruptions around the eyes, feeling of flickering in the line of sight, etc.
Silicea
Cataracts that develop due to weak vision due to overusing of the eyes can be treated with homeopathic medicine. Also, this medicine can repair the swelling of the tear-producing ducts effectively. After using Silicea, patients have reported that they were able to get relief from symptoms such as corneal abscesses, iritis, blurry vision, pain while seeing a light source, etc.
Conium
Recommended for older people suffering from cataracts, it curbs the excess production of tears and keeps the eye muscles tight. A study was also conducted to observe the effect of Conium Maculatum in a group of 43 patients suffering from black spots and blurred vision. Other symptoms that can be relieved with this medicine are- extreme sensitivity to light, inflammation around the eyes, unable to see properly in low-light, pink-eye, sweating, etc.
Causticum
In case the cause of developing a cataract is due to any problem in the optic nerve, Causticum can slow down the progression considerably. Cataract patients who have muscles around the eyes that are stiff or weak in a cold environment or have a feeling of a sand particle in the eyes are prescribed this medicine. Some cataract symptoms such as drooping of the eyelids, ulcers in the eyes, impaired vision, inflammation of the eyelids, etc. can be alleviated with this medication.
Natrum Muriaticum
Natrum Muriaticum is recommended for people suffering from the initial stages of cataracts. The muscles of the eyelids feel weak and therefore, the eyes feel droopy especially when looking down. Under such conditions, this medicine is suggested. Also, people complaining of seeing a gauze across the eyes and unable to focus on particular objects, are prescribed to take this medicine.
Phosphorus
For patients complaining of a feeling that a dust particle is obstructing the vision or that the eyesight is misty, this medicine is recommended. Also, it can cure discomfort, eye fatigue, or soreness that people suffer from when they have cataract lenses. In addition to this, it can alleviate the problem of seeing black spots in front of the eyes effectively. Doctors prescribe to consume warm food or drink and to take a cold bath at night along with taking phosphorus.
Are homeopathy medicines effective in treating cataracts?
Several research studies are already underway with an aim to find the effectiveness of using homeopathic medicines to treat cataracts. One such research paper is, “The quest for homeopathic and nonsurgical cataract treatment”. The researchers of this study studied the progression of cataracts due to age and using several homeopathic remedies to reverse the effects.
The findings of this study indicate that there are some homeopathic therapies that can prevent the cataract from worsening. However, more studies and experiments need to be performed on the same to confirm the same. The researchers suggest that there are several hurdles and a lot of uncertainties attached to the use of homeopathy as a non-surgical option for treating cataracts and hence, further research is needed.
Moreover, other studies conclude that homeopathy medicines can treat only the early stages of a cataract. These medicines cannot cure cloudy, blurred vision completely caused due to mature stages of cataracts.
Also Read : Can eye drops for cataracts be a permanent treatment?
What is the most effective treatment option for treating a cataract?
Homeopathy for cataract treatment is an option that can be considered. However, in case of severe stages of cataract in which the lens is too hardened and protein lumping cannot be prevented, the most effective solution is cataract surgery. Cataract surgery involves removing the opaque lens and replacing it with a new artificial intraocular lens. The surgery is completed within an hour after which the patient is able to go back home on the same day.
Also read: What Should You Expect From Cataract Surgery?
Pristyn Care eye surgeons help you decide the most suitable lens after a thorough consultation and diagnosis. The results of cataract surgery are permanent unless there is protein accumulation again due to progressing age. After the surgery, the vision is absolutely clear with no signs of any cloudiness, black spots, etc.
Conclusion
There are several homeopathic medicines and a combination of these medicines can help in getting relief from the symptoms. But the effectiveness of these medicines to cure the problem permanently requires more research. Currently, the most effective solution for treating cataracts is laser-assisted cataract surgery. Pristyn Care doctors are highly qualified and specially trained to perform the surgery. People who are suffering from signs and symptoms of cataracts can consult an eye surgeon from our team. Book an appointment and get a consultation at the earliest.
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