J-gov't: Cataract drugs don't work but we pay for 'em

[Taro Toporific]

Now let me see here, the Health Ministry approved these Cataract drugs that they say don't work and the National Health Insurance pays for them. Hmmmmm.
Most Cataract Drugs Used in Japan May Not Work, Yomiuri Says
June 24 (Bloomberg)-- Japan's health ministry has found most drugs currently used in Japan to treat cataracts may not work, the Yomiuri newspaper reported ... Japan is the only industrialized country that treats cataracts with drugs, the report said. Between 60 to 80 percent of people in their 60s have cataracts, the Yomiuri said.

[cstaylor]

How can that work? I guess Japanese (if they can afford it) should travel abroad for quality eye surgery.