A trend on TikTok has some users claiming that rubbing castor oil on the eyes can help treat vision problems, including dryness, floaters, cataracts, poor vision, and glaucoma.
One TikTok user claimed that after rubbing castor oil on her eyes, she no longer needed to wear reading glasses as often. Another said it got rid of her floaters.
However, ophthalmologists have warned against the trend, saying that castor oil sold in stores may not be sterile and could contain dyes, preservatives, fragrances or other ingredients that can cause irritation or infection.
While there is limited research that suggests eye drops with a low concentration of castor oil help with dry eyes and inflammation, the studies have small sample sizes and no control groups.
“We just can’t make a recommendation for something that has very little evidence behind it,” said Dr Ashley Brissette of the American Academy of Ophthalmology. “Castor oil is not a cure-all.”
