Many people would be amazed at all the different uses someone can squeeze out of various household items. Vinegar and microwaves are one example. But what if your doctor told you that these drops of oven cleaner he's about to put into your eyes will help your condition? I would say no thanks, I'll keep the glaucoma.

It should come as no surprise that the same substance which is used to clean grime out of ovens also moonlights as a superior eye treatment. The stuff is called nanoceria, and it can really help people with glaucoma. But before they could start using this on humans, lab rats and rabbits would need to break it in. Don't worry: not only was the oven cleaner harmless to their eyes, but it even fortified the cells against light damage!

Nanoparticles like these are the perfect size for penetrating the cornea. This allows doctors to pair it up with a compound that will successfully get inside the eye and treat glaucoma. So if your doctor asks about putting a few drops of cerium oxide nanoparticles in your eye, don't freak out. Medical applications come in all shapes and sizes, why not oven cleaner?