NEW EYE DROPS MAY BANISH READING GLASSES
NEWLY developed prescription eye drops to treat age-related farsightedness could replace reading glasses for millions of older Americans, experts say.
The federal Food and Drug Administration approved AbbVie’s Vuity in late 2021 for the treatment of presbyopia, blurry near vision typically experienced by those 40 and up.
According to the manufacturer, one drop administered to each eye will take effect within 15 minutes and provide sharper short-term vision.
Vuity contains the active ingredient pilocarpine hydrochloride, which is intended to stimulate the eyes to reduce pupil size and allow for better focus.
According to Dr. Yuna Rapoport, an ophthalmologist with Manhattan Eye in New York, “Vuity, or the generic pilocarpine 1.25 percent, improves your new vision through the pinhole effect, or by making the pupil smaller. It gives about two to three hours of improved near vision but does not completely reverse presbyopia or the hardening of the zones around the lens.”
Researchers say during clinical trials with 750 presbyopia patients aged 40 to 55, Vuity helped people read an average of three extra lines on an optometrist’s
vision chart in low light.
California-based ophthalmologist Dr. Dagny Zhu adds, “Patients may be able to see well enough to read on their laptops or text messages on their cellphones without having to rely on their reading glasses as often.”
But Zhu cautions, “The response will vary from person to person.”
In fact, experts warn Vuity, which costs about $80 for a 30day supply, may not be as effective in patients older than 55.