No More Reading Glasses? “Eye” Believe So

Reading glasses are a necessary hassle for millions of people, but a new eye drop could be a real game-changer for those who struggle with blurred vision and want to enjoy the world with improved eyes.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) of the USA gave approval in October for Vuity to hit the markets. As of last Thursday, 9 December, the producer of the drops, AbbVie, can sell its treatment via prescription from US pharmacies.

The treatment is chiefly for presbyopia, an age-related condition where the eyes gradually lose the ability to focus on nearby objects.

Vuity is truly unique in that one treatment can enhance close-range vision for up to potentially ten hours – and all that within 15 minutes of application and without affecting overall vision quality. It achieves this through pilocarpine, the active ingredient which contracts the eye’s pupil size, allowing better near-vision.

The three-month drug trials involved 750 participants, and while its results are promising, the side-effects include headaches and red eyes. The medication is definitely not for night-time usage, and it might not be effective for those over the age of 65.

The price tag is hefty at $80, but as research bears more efficient fruit, the potential of the drug is mostly untapped. At least, the future does look a little more clear now.