About one in five adults with eye conditions said they had come across treatments they considered bogus, and nearly 58% of those learned about them through online advertising, according to a survey published in JAMA Ophthalmology on September 24. About a quarter of those who encountered such offers went ahead with the treatment, and some reported spending more than £10,000.
The findings matter for older adults and the relatives who help them make medical decisions. Conditions such as macular degeneration, glaucoma, and inherited retinal disease can take vision slowly, and many have limited treatment options. That combination of fear, hope, and scarce answers makes patients a target for clinics selling unproven cures.
The survey was not designed to measure how common fraud is. It asked patients which treatments they perceived as bogus, so it reflects their experience rather than an expert review of each product. Participants in the U.S. were more likely than those in the United Kingdom to report encountering and undergoing these treatments.
Inside the Survey of 955 Patients
Researchers at University College London's Institute of Ophthalmology, led by Professor Mariya Moosajee and Dr. Lee Jones, surveyed 955 adults with diagnosed eye conditions in the U.K. and the U.S., according to a summary published by News-Medical. Overall, 19.1% said they had encountered a treatment they considered bogus.
The treatments reported included stem cell procedures, nutritional supplements and vitamins, complementary therapies such as acupuncture and homeopathy, electromagnetic devices, and topical substances. Some participants reported side effects, including worse vision, increased visual symptoms, and other health problems. People with poor vision paid about $13,300 on average for these treatments, HealthDay reported.
Among those who turned treatments down, almost 80% said they did not trust the claims being made. One troubling finding cut the other way: people who first heard about a treatment during an appointment with an eye care professional were significantly more likely to go ahead than those who saw online ads, which suggests some offers reach patients through channels that appear trustworthy.
"Our results highlight the importance of clear and evidence-based communication between clinicians and patients as new therapies emerge and online marketing continues to expand across the world," Jones said. He added, "Our study is about patient perceptions rather than whether the treatments really were bogus or not."
MedicalDaily Evidence Check: This was a survey of patients' experiences and perceptions, not a clinical trial. It did not test whether any specific treatment works or is harmful, and people who chose to respond may differ from the wider patient population. It shows how often patients encounter questionable offers, not proof that every treatment named is fraudulent.
Red Flags Families Can Watch For
"There are no stem cell products approved by the FDA for eye disease right now," according to the American Academy of Ophthalmology. The FDA's consumer alert on regenerative medicine products specifically lists macular degeneration and blindness among conditions for which none of these products has been approved. Unregulated procedures have caused serious harm, including permanent vision loss.
Warning signs include promises to restore or cure vision, claims that one treatment works for many unrelated eye diseases, testimonials in place of published results, high upfront cash payments, and pressure to decide quickly. A legitimate clinical trial does not usually charge patients to take part.
Supplements deserve a careful distinction, because some are backed by strong evidence. The National Eye Institute's AREDS research found that a specific vitamin and mineral formula lowers the risk of progressing from intermediate to advanced macular degeneration by about 25%. It does not prevent the disease from developing, and it does not affect cataracts. Products that claim more than that should raise questions.
The people most at risk include older adults with worsening vision and patients told there is no treatment for their condition. Caregivers can help by reviewing ads and clinic websites with the patient before any payment.
Checking a Clinic and Finding Real Trials
Before agreeing to a stem cell treatment, ask three questions the Academy recommends. Is it approved by the FDA? Is it part of an FDA-approved clinical trial? Will health insurance cover it? A "no" to all three is a strong reason to pause.
Patients can search ClinicalTrials.gov for registered studies and bring any listing to their ophthalmologist. A retina specialist or low-vision clinic can also explain approved options, including injections for wet macular degeneration and vision rehabilitation services. Medicare covers yearly eye exams for people with diabetes and glaucoma tests for people at high risk.
Families can also check credentials. State medical board websites show whether a doctor is licensed and whether any disciplinary actions are on record, and the American Academy of Ophthalmology offers a directory of its member eye physicians. A clinic that will not share the name of the treating doctor, the product used, or published results is a clinic to avoid.
For people whose vision cannot be restored, low-vision rehabilitation can make a real difference in daily life. Specialists can train patients to use magnifiers, lighting, screen readers, and other tools that help with reading, cooking, and moving around safely. These services cost far less than unproven procedures and are often covered with a doctor's referral.
Anyone harmed by an eye product can report it to the FDA's MedWatch program. Sudden vision loss, eye pain, or new flashes of light after any procedure need urgent medical attention.
The researchers said clearer communication from eye care professionals could help patients avoid costly mistakes. For now, the safest move is to discuss any new treatment with a trusted eye doctor before paying.
Key Questions Answered
What did the study find? About 19% of 955 adults with eye conditions encountered treatments they considered bogus, and about a quarter of those went ahead with treatment.
Where did patients hear about these treatments? Nearly 58% learned about them through online advertising.
Are stem cell treatments for eye disease approved? No. The FDA has not approved any stem cell product for eye disease.
Are all eye supplements bogus? No. A specific AREDS formula can slow progression from intermediate to advanced macular degeneration, but it does not prevent or cure the disease.
How can I find a legitimate trial? Search ClinicalTrials.gov and review any listing with your ophthalmologist.
What symptoms need urgent care after an eye procedure? Sudden vision loss, eye pain, or new flashes of light should be checked right away.
Published by Medicaldaily.com
