New Treatments & Clinical Trials for Cataract

Cataracts are clouding of the eye's natural lens, affecting more than half of Americans over 80. Standard treatment is outpatient surgery to remove the cloudy lens and replace it with an artificial one — one of medicine's most common and successful procedures. Research now focuses on preventing cataracts, improving artificial lenses, and developing eye drops that might delay or reverse early clouding.

What's actually going on in research

Trials are testing eye drops containing lanosterol and other compounds that may dissolve proteins causing lens clouding. Researchers are developing new intraocular lenses that adjust focus like a natural lens, correct astigmatism, or filter blue light. Studies also examine whether certain supplements, diet changes, or UV protection can slow cataract formation in people at risk.

What to know before you search

Eligibility typically depends on cataract severity, whether you've had prior eye surgery, other eye conditions like glaucoma or macular degeneration, and overall eye health.

What types of trials are currently open

• Eye drop trials — Testing drops that might dissolve or prevent protein buildup in the lens, potentially delaying or avoiding surgery.
• Lens comparison trials — Comparing different types of artificial lenses to see which provide better vision at multiple distances or in low light.
• Prevention studies — Testing whether vitamins, antioxidants, or lifestyle changes can slow cataract development in people with early clouding.
• Surgical technique trials — Comparing surgical methods, such as laser-assisted versus traditional ultrasound techniques for removing cataracts.
• Natural history studies — Following people with cataracts over time to understand what factors speed or slow progression.