DMSO: does it prevent cataracts?

 DMSO and Cataracts: What Does the Science Say?

Punchline: in low doses, it probably will not hurt your eye or your interocular lens, but there are no randomized controlled studies to say that it prevents cataracts more than just wearing sunglasses and eating a good diet and not developing diabetes. 

DMSO, a polar solvent with anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and membrane-penetrating properties, has been proposed as a cataract remedy, often as a vehicle to deliver compounds like NAC or lanosterol to the lens. But is it effective, and is it safe for the ocular surface? Let’s examine the evidence, noting the age of studies and the absence of RCTs.

Available Research on DMSO for Cataracts

A comprehensive search of PubMed, Google Scholar, and ClinicalTrials.gov (keywords: “DMSO cataracts,” “dimethyl sulfoxide cataract surgery,” “DMSO eye drops”) revealed limited studies, none of which are randomized, double-blind, or placebo-controlled:

1.  Moran, M. (2021). Combination of two non-prescription eye drops for early cortical cataracts. International Journal of Complementary & Alternative Medicine, 14(4), 165.

•  Age: 4 years old (published 2021, as of 2025).

•  Details: A single-case report where the author used 40% DMSO eye drops with N-acetyl carnosine or lanosterol for early cataracts, reporting subjective improvement. No objective measures (e.g., visual acuity, slit-lamp exams) were provided, and the study lacks randomization or blinding.

•  Limitations: Anecdotal, uncontrolled, and not specific to cataract surgery.

2.  Hoang, B. X., et al. (2021). Application of Dimethyl Sulfoxide as a Therapeutic Agent and Drug Vehicle for Eye Diseases. Journal of Ocular Pharmacology and Therapeutics, 37(8), 441–451.

•  Age: 4 years old.

•  Details: A review discussing DMSO’s use in eye diseases like retinopathy, noting low toxicity when applied topically. It does not address cataracts or cataract surgery specifically.

•  Limitations: Broad focus, not cataract-specific, and no RCTs.

3.  Hanna, C., Fraunfelder, F. T., & Meyer, S. M. (1977). Effects of dimethyl sulfoxide on ocular inflammation. Annals of Ophthalmology, 9(1), 61–65.

•  Age: 48 years old.

•  Details: A clinical trial exploring DMSO’s anti-inflammatory effects in ocular inflammation, potentially relevant to postoperative recovery but not cataracts. Not randomized or double-blind.

•  Limitations: Not specific to cataracts or surgery.

4.  Hill, R. V. (1975). Dimethyl sulfoxide in the treatment of retinal disease. Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences, 243, 485–490.

•  Age: 50 years old.

•  Details: Discusses DMSO for retinal diseases, not cataracts. Notes anti-inflammatory properties but lacks RCT design.

•  Limitations: Irrelevant to cataracts or surgery.

5.  Gordon, D. M., & Kleberger, K. (1968). The effect of dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) on animal and human eyes. Archives of Ophthalmology, 79(4), 423–427.

•  Age: 57 years old.

•  Details: Reports lens abnormalities in animals at high DMSO doses, with inconsistent human findings. Not focused on cataracts or surgery.

•  Limitations: Focuses on toxicity, not efficacy.

No Randomized Controlled Trials

Critically, no randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials exist for DMSO in cataracts or cataract surgery. RCTs are essential to eliminate bias and confirm efficacy, requiring random assignment of participants to DMSO or placebo groups and blinding of both participants and researchers. The absence of such studies means claims about DMSO’s effectiveness rely on anecdotal reports like Moran’s, which lack scientific rigor. ClinicalTrials.gov searches (September 2025) found no ongoing or completed RCTs for DMSO in cataracts.

Is DMSO Safe for the Ocular Surface?

Safety is a major concern with DMSO eye drops. Here’s what we know:

•  Ocular Surface Safety: Studies (e.g., Hoang et al., 2021) suggest topical DMSO at low concentrations (e.g., 20–40%) has low toxicity and minimal irritation in humans. However, higher concentrations (e.g., 50% or more) can cause burning or discomfort, as noted in Moran (2021). DMSO’s membrane-penetrating ability increases the risk of introducing contaminants, potentially leading to infections if preparations are not sterile.

•  Historical Concerns: Early studies (Gordon & Kleberger, 1968) reported lens abnormalities in animals at high doses, raising fears of toxicity. Later human studies found no consistent lens damage, but caution persists due to limited long-term data.

•  pH of DMSO Solutions: Pure DMSO has a pH of approximately 6.5–7.0, close to neutral, which is generally safe for the ocular surface (normal tear pH is ~7.4). However, commercial DMSO eye drops (e.g., 40% in saline, as in Moran’s study) may vary in pH depending on dilution and additives. Non-medical-grade DMSO or improper formulations could have a pH outside the safe range (6.8–7.8 for ocular use), risking irritation or corneal damage. No studies provide specific pH data for DMSO eye drops used in cataract-related applications.

•  Regulatory Status: The FDA has approved DMSO only for interstitial cystitis, not ocular use. The American Academy of Ophthalmology (2024) states there is no evidence to support DMSO for cataracts, floaters, or retinal issues, and unregulated products pose risks.

Given these factors, using DMSO on the ocular surface is not guaranteed to be safe, especially without medical-grade, sterile preparations and ophthalmologist supervision. The lack of standardized dosing and potential for contamination make it risky for self-treatment.

Why the Lack of Robust Studies?

Several factors explain the absence of RCTs for DMSO in cataracts:

•  Non-Patentable Status: DMSO’s low cost and lack of patentability deter pharmaceutical investment in expensive trials.

•  Effective Surgery: Cataract surgery’s high success rate reduces the need for alternatives.

•  Safety Concerns: Historical reports of lens toxicity in animals (1960s) slowed ocular research, despite later studies suggesting safety at lower doses.

•  Alternative Focus: Research on non-surgical treatments has prioritized compounds like NAC, though these also lack strong RCT evidence.

Implications for Patients

The absence of RCTs and the age of studies (4–57 years old) highlight the lack of evidence for DMSO as a cataract remedy. Non-surgical cures remain unproven, and prevention strategies (e.g., UV protection, healthy diet) are the best non-invasive approaches. Patients considering DMSO should consult an ophthalmologist, as unregulated products carry risks of irritation, infection, or delayed treatment. Surgery remains the only reliable solution for vision restoration.

Looking Ahead

DMSO’s properties, such as its ability to deliver drugs to the lens or reduce inflammation, warrant further research. RCTs could explore its role in postoperative care or as a vehicle for anti-cataract agents, but preliminary studies are needed to justify such trials. Until then, stick to proven prevention methods and consult eye care specialists for cataract management.

Bibliography

Below are all publications related to DMSO and its ocular applications, with a focus on cataracts or cataract surgery, listed from most recent to oldest. All references were verified on PubMed or through journal sources for legitimacy.

1.  Moran, M. (2021). Combination of two non-prescription eye drops for early cortical cataracts. International Journal of Complementary & Alternative Medicine, 14(4), 165.

•  Age: 4 years old (published 2021, as of 2025).

•  Details: Single-case report using 40% DMSO eye drops with N-acetyl carnosine or lanosterol. Subjective improvement reported but lacks randomization, blinding, or objective outcomes.

•  Verification: Not indexed on PubMed; verified through the journal’s website (DOI or direct access may be limited).

•  Link: Available via journal (check https://medcraveonline.com/IJCAM/).

2.  Hoang, B. X., et al. (2021). Application of Dimethyl Sulfoxide as a Therapeutic Agent and Drug Vehicle for Eye Diseases. Journal of Ocular Pharmacology and Therapeutics, 37(8), 441–451.

•  Age: 4 years old.

•  Details: Review of DMSO’s use in eye diseases, noting low toxicity but not addressing cataracts or surgery specifically.

•  Verification: PubMed (PMID: 34415793).

•  Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34415793/

3.  Hanna, C., Fraunfelder, F. T., & Meyer, S. M. (1977). Effects of dimethyl sulfoxide on ocular inflammation. Annals of Ophthalmology, 9(1), 61–65.

•  Age: 48 years old.

•  Details: Clinical trial on DMSO’s anti-inflammatory effects, not specific to cataracts or surgery. Not randomized or double-blind.

•  Verification: PubMed (PMID: 843208).

•  Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/843208/

4.  Hill, R. V. (1975). Dimethyl sulfoxide in the treatment of retinal disease. Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences, 243, 485–490.

•  Age: 50 years old.

•  Details: Discusses DMSO for retinal diseases, not cataracts. No RCT design.

•  Verification: PubMed (PMID: 1054598).

•  Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/1054598/

5.  Gordon, D. M., & Kleberger, K. (1968). The effect of dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) on animal and human eyes. Archives of Ophthalmology, 79(4), 423–427.

•  Age: 57 years old.

•  Details: Reports lens abnormalities in animals, with inconsistent human findings. Not cataract-specific.

•  Verification: PubMed (PMID: 5642838).

•  Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/5642838/