Fact Check: No, putting castor oil in the eyes does not treat cataracts

Hyderabad: A post claiming that castor oil can potentially clear or cure cataracts is being widely shared on social media.

The tweet from a premium X account read, “They don’t want you to know that you can heal your eyes with Castor Oil. All you need is a drop or two in each eye before bed

• helps remove floaters

• reduces redness/inflammation

• clears cataracts

Make sure to buy it cold-pressed, hexane-free, and in glass. (sic)”

Fact Check

NewsMeter found that the claim is false.

What is a cataract?

A cataract is the formation of a cloudy area in the lens of your eye (the clear part of the eye that helps to focus light).

Cataracts can become common as you get older. In fact, more than half of all Americans age 80 or older either have cataracts or have had surgery to get rid of cataracts, according to the National Eye Institute.

Debunking the viral castor oil, which became popular as a TikTok challenge, UCI health expert says there is no evidence to support the claim.

It further adds, “There is no scientific evidence to support claims made by TikTokers about [castor oil’s] benefits or vision including treatment of cataracts, glaucoma, floaters, presbyopia or other eye problems. In fact, getting castor oil in the eye can cause eye irritation, reduced tear quality, blurred vision and allergic reactions. It also can block lubricating glands in the eyelid, resulting in dry eye.”

Moreover, warning against the castor oil and eye TikTok challenge, a media report on NBC News on August 5 says, “Don’t rub castor oil in your eyes, doctors say, no matter what they do on social media.” The report further explains, “We just can’t make a recommendation for something that has very little evidence behind it,” said Dr Ashley Brissette, a spokesperson for the American Academy of Ophthalmology and assistant professor at Weill Cornell Medicine in New York. “Castor oil is not a cure-all. If you have eye concerns, you need to see an ophthalmologist.”

According to Cleveland Clinic, cataract surgery is the safest way to treat cataracts. It adds, “Cataract surgery is the only way to remove cataracts and restore your clear vision. During cataract surgery, an ophthalmologist removes your clouded natural lens and replaces it with an intraocular lens (IOL). An IOL is an artificial lens that permanently stays in your eye. There are many different options for IOLs that your provider can discuss with you. The main benefit of an IOL is that it’s clear — like your natural lens should be. Another benefit is that it can correct refractive errors, allowing you to rely less on glasses or contact lenses after your surgery.”