Eyedrops Could Replace Reading Glasses

Millions of people struggle with close vision compromise as they age. Packed racks of reading glasses spin in just about every available store space and state-of-the-art “computer glasses” are being sought after. People will tell you that they have multiple reading glasses strewn throughout their home, from the bathroom to the garage, scrambling to see close objects at all costs.

Now it may be as simple as squirting a few eyedrops in your eyes and you could kiss your reading glasses goodbye. A new FDA approved formula is now available that could change the lives of many that rely on on wearable sight correcting plastic.

Vuity Vision

Age-related blurry near vision is technically referred to as presbyopia. It is the condition that diminishes the ability to focus on close objects and is estimated to afflict about 128 million people, predominantly over 40 years old.

Now, there are specially prescribed eyedrops to stop blurry near vision called Vuity (aka pilocarpine HCI). Vuity is the prescription brand name of the first presbyopia drug ever developed and approved by the FDA. Developed by pharmaceutical mega-company Allergan, Vuity brings an entirely new concept to vision. We have now entered the future of medicine in real-time as these eyedrops work by utilizing the natural ability of the eye to expand and retract the pupil. 

Clinical Trials Arena describes the action of this drug, 

“The mechanism of action involves contraction of the iris sphincter muscle, which constricts the pupil to improve near and intermediate vision acuity while maintaining some pupillary responsiveness to light.The drug also contracts the ciliary muscle, which may make the eye more myopic [near vision].”

Dr. George Waring, the principal investigator for the trial, simplifies the process by stating,

“Reducing the pupil size expands the depth of field or the depth of focus, and that allows you to focus at different ranges naturally,” 

The specs on Vuity are as follows:

• Only one drop per eye
• Takes effect within fifteen minutes
• Produces sharp images (near and intermediate)
• Lasts for six to ten hours
• Does not affect distance vision
• Thirty day supply costs about eighty dollars
• Works best for those between the ages of 40-55
• Contacts should be removed upon dosing but can be reinserted after

Testimonial

One of the 750 participants in the Vuity study commented to CBS News. Toni Wright a 54-year-old online retail consultant, who works from her farm in western Pennsylvania, saw a difference right away. She previously talked of needing her reading glasses to be on-hand everywhere she went, in her car, the kitchen, bathroom, etc. After taking Vuity she reported,

“It’s definitely a life changer,…I would not need my readers as much, especially on the computer, where I would always need to have them on,…Just a convenience to have that option of putting the drops in and being able to go”

Patients like Ms. Wright are now enjoying the freedom of these eyedrops and soon those spinning racks of reading glasses may not be so prominent in all the stores anymore. It could be replaced with shelves of Vuity.

Drawbacks

There is no perfect conventional or traditional medicine so some drawbacks are always expected. It is just whether it is worth it in comparison. Some drawbacks of Vituity include:

• Not a cure
• Should not be used for night driving 
• Not covered by insurance
• Not as effective in low-light conditions
• Temporary difficulty in adjusting focus between near and distance objects may occur

These drawbacks are minor compared to a wide range of side-effects presented by so many other drugs. 

If you want the convenience of eyedrops to replace your reading glasses Vuity may be the choice for you. In the meantime, maintaining a healthy diet that contains high amounts of antioxidants as well as scheduled eye checkups is essential. 

Sources:

https://www.cbsnews.com/amp/news/vuity-eye-drops-presbyopia-reading-glasses-vision-fda-approved/

https://news.abbvie.com/news/press-releases/us-food-and-drug-administration-approves-vuity-pilocarpine-hci-ophthalmic-solution-125-first-and-only-eye-drop-to-treat-presbyopia-age-related-blurry-near-vision.htm

https://eyewire.news/news/fda-approves-allergans-vuity-the-first-and-only-eye-drop-to-treat-presbyopia?c4src=article:infinite-scroll