An unexpected discovery made during a genetic study can help treat or prevent cataract with just eye drops. In the study, the researchers found a molecule that leads to be formation of cholesterol in human cells.

Study’s lead researcher Dr. Kang Zhang from UC San Diego and team have unveiled that the substance is known as lanosterol. It has the ability to accumulate proteins in the lens of the eye that causes cataracts.

Currently, cataract is treatable through surgery in which lens is removed. But with the discovery of this new molecule, the researchers are quite hopeful that patients may one day be able to prevent or treat the disease with the use of eye drops or an injection. It will cut the risk, discomfort and cost related to surgery and recovery.

The research process started as an assessment of the genetics in a single family having two parents with cataracts, found to be first cousins, had four children, three having cataract and not the fourth one.

The team sequenced and assessed the genomes of the family and during this process they came to know about the likely source of the diseased kids' cataracts. All three of them were having two copies of mutated version of a gene known as LSS, involved in the production of lanosterol.

Many tests were carried out to see if the problem was due to anosterol and ultimately, it was found to be the cause. In an experiment, the researchers administered lanosterol to naturally occurring cataracts in rabbit lenses that were incubated in lab dishes and the clarity of the lens improved. In the case of dogs also the lens clarity improved.