Liquid carnosine eye drops may support eye health and are being researched for their effects on cataracts and other vision disorders.
Carnosine-based eye drops typical contain a form of carnosine called N-acetylcarnosine (NAC). Research on NAC shows that it can both prevent and treat cataracts.
NAC increases the eye lens’ transmissivity to light rays. That means more light is able to pass through the lens. In effect, cataract development may be partially or fully reversed.
This ingredient has long been used to support vision and eye health in both humans and dogs. It is also used to soothe irritated eyes.
According to one manufacturer, NAC is included in their eye drops to “protect the active ingredients against glycation.”
Carnosine eye drops are sold over-the-counter in the United States and can be purchased on Amazon or from other health vendors, such as LifeExtension.



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Carnosine Eye Drops Review
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Nearly 17 million people are currently affected by cataracts worldwide. Cataracts are responsible for roughly 42% of all blindness, making it the leading cause of blindness in humans.
Each day, about 28,000 new cataract cases are reported. It is estimated that roughly 20% of all people over 60 years of age are developing cataracts in one or both eyes. For those 75 and older, it is believed that about 80% are developing or already have cataracts.
Carnosine is a dipeptide formed by the union of two amino acids called l-histidine and beta-alanine. Both carnosine and N-acetylcarnosine are found naturally throughout the human body, but are especially prevalent in skeletal muscles.
Carnosine was discovered in Russia in the 1900s and until recently little data on NAC has been made available to western researchers.
In the United States, pure carnosine is currently used for impeding the effects of aging. It is also used to prevent and/or treat the symptoms of diabetes mellitus; like cataracts, neuropathy (nerve dysfunction) and renal (kidney) dysfunction.
Research on Liquid Carnosine for Vision
Clinical trials have demonstrated benefits of n-acetylcarnosine for protecting eye health from some forms of degeneration related to aging.
In a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled human trial, 1% NAC eye drops were administered twice daily. Each dose consisted of two drops.
49 subjects with an average age of 65 were monitored. All subjects had cataracts ranging in severity from mild to advanced, but not yet to the point where surgery was recommended.
Eyes treated with liquid carnosine eye drops improved substantially, within 6 months, in terms of visual acuity (sharpness), sensitivities to glare, and cataract conditions. Published results included:
- Sensitivity to glare decreased between 27 – 100% in 89% of eyes treated;
- Transmissivity increased between 12 – 50% in 42 % of eyes treated;
- Visual acuity improved between 7 – 100% in 90% of eyes treated;
These improvements to vision were sustainable for an additional 18 months of observation with continued daily dosing. No symptoms in any treated eye worsened.
Conditions worsened for all eyes that received placebo. For instance, after 2 years, visual acuity decreased between 17 and 80% in 89% of controls.
In a different study on NAC eye drops, patients between 49 and 60 years old were evaluated. Subjects had unique degrees of vision impairment, but exhibited no signs of cataracts. Treatment was administered between 2 and 6 months for given subjects.
Results included “brightened”, more relaxed vision, decreased tiredness of the eyes and overall improved vision in all subjects. This study indicated that liquid NAC eye drops are effective for both preventing and treating unique vision disorders.
Liquid carnosine eye drops are also effective for delaying vision senescence (deterioration) due to aging. Human research has shown NAC eye drops to be 80% effective for treating cases of mature senile cataracts and 100% effective for treating primary senile cataracts.
Additional Uses of Carnosine Eye Drops
Liquid carnosine eye drops may also benefit other ophthalmic conditions including increased intraocular pressure, glaucoma and certain corneal diseases.
A review of benefits compiled from trials conducted on 109 patients with ophthalmic conditions reported accelerated healing of:
- Postherpetic epitheliopathy (eye-based herpes infection);
- Primary and secondary corneal dystrophy;
- Trophic keratitis (poor corneal healing);
- Bullous keratopathy (corneal edema);
- Corneal erosions;
Other vision impairment conditions that liquid carnosine eye drops may be useful for include presbyopia (farsightedness), open-angle primary glaucoma, computer vision syndrome, ocular inflammation, eye strain, dry eye syndrome, blurred vision and vitreous opacities (glasslike opaqueness).
N-acetylcarnosine eye drops may also help contact wearers to experience more comfort with their contacts in. It seems to reduce lactic acid buildup in the eyes and allows the contact lenses to be worn longer.
Safety of Carnosine Eye Drops
The Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database states that there is little clinical evidence available addressing the safety and side effects of carnosine or liquid carnosine eye drops.
Carnosine may lower blood pressure. Carnosine and NAC are not recommended for pregnant or nursing women.
Information on the possible side effects and long-term usage safety of liquid carnosine eye drops is not available. No adverse effects have been associated with proper usage. Research results seem quite favorable for purposes of repairing impaired vision from multiple causes.
In the US, liquid carnosine eye drops may have a maximum of 1% NAC. In Russia, eye drops with 5% NAC are in use.
Always pay close attention to manufacturer’s application recommendations. Use with caution and seek medical advice for best results.
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Article last updated on: April 4th, 2018 by Nootriment