One of the major risk factors for developing cataracts is age - the older you get the more likely you are to have them. Whilst scientists still aren’t exactly sure of the mechanisms at play that link cataracts so closely with aging, there do appear to be two main factors involved - the effects of glycation and the effects of free radicals.

Glycation is the chemical process whereby sugar molecules such as fructose and glucose bind themselves to proteins without the controlling action of an enzyme. As a result rogue molecules known as advanced glycation endproducts (AGEs) are formed. AGEs are highly reactive and interact (cross link) with other proteins around them. This causes damage to the proteins, their function becomes impaired and free radicals are formed.

The reason that glycation is so closely linked with cataract formation is the fact that the lens of the eye is essentially made up of proteins. If the proteins are damaged over time by the action of AGEs cataracts will develop. If you are diabetic this is of particular concern because the fuel for the glycation comes from sugars, levels of which maybe high in a diabetic.

The situation is also affected by the actions of free radicals. Not only can AGEs lead to the formation of these destructive molecules, they also form as part of normal cell metabolism. Free radicals are highly unstable molecules that “steal” electrons from other molecules in a bid to stabilise themselves. But the cell they have stolen from then becomes a free radical and it too has the need to steal an electron. A chain reaction occurs that eventually leads to cellular damage. As we age so more and more free radicals are formed and the damage they can wreck becomes greater.

The amazing thing about cataract eye drops is that not only do they offer for the first time a non-surgical treatment for cataracts, but that they attack both glycation and free radicals. The active ingredient in these incredible cataract drops, N-acetylcarnosine, acts as both an anti-glycator preventing glycation from occurring but also as a potent anti-oxidant, mopping up free radicals to prevent them from causing harm.

Gentle but effective, carnosine eye drops are the revolution in the treatment of cataracts that we have long been waiting for.