NEW ANTIOXIDANT MAY PREVENT AND CURE CATARACTS AND MORE

Scientists claim to have developed a new antioxidant that 

could prevent and even cure cataracts, muscular 

degeneration and other eye disorders.

Researchers are studying eye drops prepared with the 

antioxidant N-acetylcysteine amide (NACA) as a treatment 

for these eye conditions.

NACA is an improvement over another experimental 

treatment, the antioxidant N-acetylcysteine (NAC), because it 

passes more easily across cell membranes, allowing the 

medication to be used in lower doses.

NACA's characteristics as a drug were improved over NAC 

by neutralizing the carboxylic group of NAC, which makes the 

NACA pass cellular membranes easily.

And because NACA can be administered at a lower dose, the 

drug has a greater therapeutic index and lowers the risk of 

side effects traditionally associated with NAC.

NACA is also an excellent source of glutathione, a cell's main 

antioxidant power, which is diminished during degenerative 

eye disorders.

NACA eye drops could drastically reduce these costs and 

represent an alternative to costly surgery, while greatly 

improving the quality of life for those afflicted.


Researchers have been testing NACA on HIV-related 

problems, lead poisoning and other toxicities for 10 years. 

About four years ago they began testing it on eye disorders. 

The NACA solution prevented cataracts from forming, 

according to them.

Researchers say further testing will help establish appropriate 

dosage and frequency, as well as possible side effects and 

other factors