Aug. 7, 2023 – Castor oil is known to have medical laxative qualities, and Cleopatra used it to keep her hair glossy. However, eye doctors are stepping out to refute the most recent TikTok claims that castor oil may treat eye conditions.
On TikTok, the hashtag #castoroilforeyesight has 3.7 million views. In videos, people may be seen massaging the oil around their eyes and on their eyelids. Claims of vision enhancement include treating glaucoma, removing floaters, which are patches or stringy appearances in vision, and eliminating the need for spectacles.
"We simply can't recommend something for which there is so little supporting data," According to Ashley Brissette, MD, MSc, an assistant professor at Weill Cornell Medicine in New York and a representative for the American Academy of Ophthalmology, NBC News. "Castor oil isn't a miracle treatment. You should consult an ophthalmologist if you have concerns about your eyes.
According to The Washington Post, castor oil made a comeback in the beauty industry in 2019 due to a surge in interest in oils used for diet and cosmetic purposes. According to an article from the Post at the time, actress Charlize Theron used it on both her hair and eyebrows.
According to the horticulture department of the University of Wisconsin-Madison, it is made from the seeds of the castor oil plant, which is native to India but is now produced commercially and ornamentally in various areas of the world. Pure castor oil, found in the seeds, is utilized in a variety of goods, from ink and plastic to motor oil and soap. Ricine, one of the most lethal natural toxins in the world, is also present in the castor plant seeds in addition to the oil.
According to NBC News, several over-the-counter eye drops include castor oil, but experts pointed out that these treatments are designed expressly for use in the eyes and that there is only minimal evidence that the oil relieves inflammation or dry eyes. According to specialists, many of the promises cannot be met by using a topical oil. Applying castor oil directly may instead result in ocular issues including inflammation or infection since it may include preservatives, colors, or scents.
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