Spinach-Based Eye Drops Could Help Treat a Common Eye Condition

Researchers at the National University of Singapore developed spinach-derived eye drops that use ambient light to generate protective molecules in eye cells.

The treatment delivered photosynthetic membrane components, or thylakoids, which produced NADPH and reduced oxidative stress and inflammation.

In mouse tests, the drops outperformed Restasis for dry eye disease, and human trials are now being planned.

The approach could offer a low-cost, device-free therapy for dry eye and may open the door to other plant-based treatments for inflammatory conditions.