Cataract Drops are Back!

I have learnt over the years never to read any adverts of any sort whatsoever. In fact, curmudgeonly old git as they make me, I make a particular point of doing the exact opposite if an advert is particularly annoying. I did, therefore, miss an ad in a supplement carried within our prestigious journal. It was promoting a topical drop which would remove cataract and the need need for surgery. Embarrassing as it is to carry an advert for a 'miracle' product promoted by lies, it did remind me of the bigger publicity some years ago surrounding the 'miracle drop' l-carnosine. This was supposed to dissolve cataract too and, indeed, if applied directly to opacified lens tissue in a lab had some clarification properties. Not so, however, if applied to the eye, not least of all because it could not be absorbed across the cornea and make it to the lens in the first place. This did not prevent testimonials supporting it, one from a retired ophthal;mologist whose commnets were then spread by the national press, ever willing to spread inaccuracy and false hope in a bid to flog more paper. I remember several patients asking about the drops and had to be the bearer of bad news. And now even my journal is joining in!