Could Eye Drops Replace Your Reading Glasses?

As many over the age of 40 know, seeing reading materials, computers and crafts can be come increasingly difficult over time.  Those of appropriate near-sighted levels may be able to simply remove their glasses and the problem is solved.  However, this is not always possible or convenient.  For decades, Optometrists have used several options to deal with this issue including progressive lenses, specialty near lenses, bifocals and in some instances, contact lenses.  This will surely be the main stay for the foreseeable future.  However, there is now a new alternative that has recently arrived on the market.  In fact, there may be several in the near future, but for now we have one particular product at our disposal.  It is called Vuity.  It is an eye drop that is used daily to temporarily enhance near and intermediate vision.

Before we get into how Vuity works, let’s discuss the problem.  Presbyopia is the loss of the eyes’ ability to accommodate or focus.  This happens gradually over time as the lens inside the eye loses elasticity and the muscle that forces the change in shape of the lens becomes weaker.  This is usually noticed from our late 30’s to late 40’s. 

Vuity is a drop that increases the eyes’ ability to see at near by making the pupil smaller.  Just like with a camera, utilizing a smaller aperture increases depth of focus.  By stimulating the muscle that makes our pupil smaller, such as in bright sunlight, we increase depth of focus and increase our ability to see at near.  Vuity utilizes a medication called Pilocarpine which has been used for several years in the treatment of glaucoma.  Studies have found it most effective for patients 40-55 years of age.  It is a temporary effect and does not eliminate the need for near help for some people.  It takes about 15 minutes to take effect and generally lasts up to 6 hours.  It is expected that night vision is made worse due to the pupil being made smaller so some planning is involved in its use.

The main side effects of this medication are headache and redness.  During past uses of Pilocarpine, retinal detachment has occurred, so patients with higher levels of near sightedness and those with certain retinal defects may not be good candidates for this medication.  Vuity is available by prescription only and is not covered by insurance.  It is estimated to cost approximately $80 per month.  

If you have any questions about this new model for aiding near vision, please give us a call and set up a consultation.  I would be happy to see if this new technique is right for you.