Image of eyes: Source: Britannica
|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
Claim: A Facebook user, Samuel Toyin Rebecca, posted a video claiming that miracle leaves can cure blurry vision, cataracts, and glaucoma.
Verdict: False. There is no scientific or clinical evidence that “miracle leaf” can cure cataracts, glaucoma, or blurry vision. Eye health experts say these conditions require proper medical diagnosis and treatment, and in some cases, surgery or long-term management, not herbal remedies.
Full Text
A Facebook user, Samuel Toyin Rebecca, shared a video, {archived link here}, claiming that miracle leaves can treat multiple eye conditions.
In the video, a voice recommends heating two leaves to soften them and placing them over closed eyes for about 20 minutes daily. She asserts that the method can treat “any eye disease” within seven days.
The voiceover specifically says, “If you have anybody with blurry vision, all they need is two leaves of miracle leaf, keep it on a low heat to soften it, then place it on your eyes, close your eyes while doing it, leave it for 20 minutes before removing it. For any eye disease, do it for 7 days. This miracle leaf is the best thing you can use to cure.”
As of May 20, 2026, the post had generated over 11,000 likes, 2,400 shares, and more than 640 comments, showing wide circulation and engagement.
Some users in the comment section questioned the claim and sought clarification.
Olumade Modupe asked, “Can it cure glaucoma that has reached the last stage and is now having blurry vision?”
Harmony Harrison wrote, “Should we be changing the leaves every day, or should we just use those two leaves for those 7 days?”
Another user, Chiagorom Peter, dismissed the claim outright, saying, “See SCAM face to face. Any form of eye issues, she said? From one who has no knowledge of pathology and medicine.”
Another Facebook user, Oko Oro Wumi, also reshared the claim.
DUBAWA decided to fact-check the claim because it is a public health issue, and misinformation can lead people to delay or avoid proper medical treatment, potentially worsening conditions.
What are cataracts?
Cataracts occur when the eye’s lens becomes cloudy due to ageing, diabetes, or injury, and the only effective treatment is surgery to replace the lens, as confirmed by the Mayo Clinic.
The NHS glaucoma guide explains Glaucoma as damage to the optic nerve due to increased eye pressure and requires lifelong management with medication or surgery.
The American Academy of Ophthalmology says blurry vision is not a disease itself but a symptom of various conditions, and should always be evaluated by a professional.
Although miracle leaf (Bryophyllum pinnatum) is sometimes promoted in traditional medicine for its anti-inflammatory or antimicrobial properties, laboratory findings do not provide evidence that it can treat eye diseases in humans.
Experts view
According to an optician, Chisom Okoli, cataract and glaucoma are two completely different conditions with distinct causes and treatments. Chisom explained that a cataract occurs when the eye’s natural lens becomes cloudy and is treated by replacing it with an artificial lens through surgery.
She said, “Cataract is basically a faulty lens… they remove the bad lens and put a new artificial one.”
On glaucoma, she noted that it is caused by increased pressure inside the eye, which can damage vision permanently if not controlled. She added that glaucoma has no cure, so you just have to control the pressure from getting too high. Chioma further explained that treatment depends on the type of glaucoma.
“It’s very delicate… You manage it by reducing the pressure, just like high blood pressure.”
For both conditions, Chioma emphasised that there is no medical evidence supporting the use of plant leaves for eye diseases.
“So I don’t know if water and lemon or leaves cure the infection”, she said.
Another optician, Yemisi Ogeyemhe, also dismissed the claim, stating clearly that no leaf has been proven to treat eye conditions.
Yemisi said, “There is no known leaf that can cure cataract or glaucoma. And also, there is no known leaf called miracle leaf which can cure any eye condition.”
She further explained that treatment for eye conditions depends on diagnosis and may include eye drops, antibiotics for infections, antioxidant supplements, or surgery, depending on severity.
“There are various forms of surgery; your eye doctor can suggest the one that will be most suitable for you”, she said.
Conclusion
While miracle leaf is used in traditional practices and shows some biological activity in laboratory studies, there is no scientific or clinical evidence that it can treat cataracts or glaucoma. Eye specialists strongly advise proper medical evaluation and treatment, as delaying care with unproven remedies may lead to permanent vision damage.
What is my own issue here in all this mess