Can an eye drop really replace my reading glasses?

-

 



                 Wondering if eye drops can replace readers???



Maybe you saw a segment on TV, or your friend mentioned a new eye drop they’re using to read the menu at dinner. You might be wondering… does it work? Back in October, the FDA approved the use of an eye drop called Vuity.  Let me fill you in!


What is it?

Vuity (pilocarpine 1.25%) is a formulation of a drug called pilocarpine, an old glaucoma medication. It is almost never used now to manage glaucoma because of its side effects and the development of more modern treatment options. Compared to commercially-available pilocarpine, Vuity uses a proprietary “vehicle” to cause less stinging with instillation.


Who is it for?

It was approved for patients aged 40 to 55 with presbyopia. Presbyopia is the natural aging of the lens in your eye that affects your ability to focus on near objects like books, cell phones, menus, etc.  This eventually happens to everyone and is not a disease.  Ideally, this patient should be able to see far away with minimal help and be relying on reading glasses only for near tasks.


How does it work?

It stimulates the muscles in the eye to 1) contract, which flexes the lens inside the eye to increase focusing power, and 2) to constrict the pupil, which provides a greater depth of focus. These actions work together to improve near vision, and participants in the clinical studies experienced an improvement of at least 3 lines.  It has less effect on older patients, and is not needed before the age of 40 because your eyes still have the ability to flex naturally.


How long does it last?

It has been shown to be effective for 6 hours and start working in as little as 15 minutes. It is intended to be used as a once-daily eye drop.


Any side effects or adverse reactions?

Certainly!  Headache and eye redness are most common. Due to its effect on the pupil, reduced peripheral vision, dimming of vision, and difficulty driving at night are also possible side effects.  Temporary distance blur and difficulty adjusting between near and distant objects may occur.  Most importantly, albeit rare, is the risk of retinal detachment - when the ciliary muscle contracts it can shift everything forward in the eye and result in traction or pulling on the retina.


How much does it cost?

Around $80 per bottle. It is prescription-only and not covered by insurance. One bottle will last nearly a month, so, if you are using 1 drop in both eyes daily that is just over $1,100 per year.


My two cents

Vuity is not a fix or cure-all, but an adjunctive treatment option for presbyopia… another tool in the toolbox. I see it as an occasional option for patients to use for those times they want to be less dependent on their readers or bifocals.  The biggest drawback is the lack of all-day efficacy, not to mention the potential side effects and cost.  It may lessen the annoyance of having to reach for your “cheaters”, but it is not a valid long-term solution and prolonged near work will likely require correction. Full disclosure: I am still a few years away from presbyopia so it’s easy for me to say stick with the zero-risk OTC readers or a nice progressive bifocal.  Like anything else, some people will love it and some will hate it.  Just be sure to always consult your eye doctor!


- Dr. Rachel

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

My contacts are poisonous? Not so fast.

-
Image
       Recent media coverage has brought attention to a report claiming that 18 soft contact lenses from three major companies in the industry were found to contain PFAS or toxic "forever chemicals".  Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a class of synthetic chemicals used in a variety of consumer products for their ability to resist heat, stains, and water. They are referred to as "forever chemicals" because they break down very slowly and can accumulate in people, animals, and the environment over time.  This has prompted concern about potential long-term health effects - studies have shown that high levels of exposure to some PFAS may be linked to increased risk of cancer and other adverse health issues.      In contact lenses, PFAS are used to soften the material and enhance oxygen permeability.  So, you might be wondering, are my soft contact lenses safe to be wearing?     Currently, there is no scientific literature published to show harmful effects
Read more

EAT YOUR WAY TO BETTER EYE HEALTH

-
Image
Eat Your Way to Better Eye Health If you’re like most people starting the new year, you may have made a resolution to eat healthier in 2023.  Whether you’re starting to fall off the wagon or holding strong, it’s never too late to start eating well.  There are several vitamins and nutrients specific to the health of the eyes, and chances are, what is good for the eyes is also good for your overall health. 1. Vitamin A     - Required for the formation of rhodopsin, a pigment found in the retina that allows us to see in low-light        conditions.  Deficiency could cause "night blindness" due to impaired dark adaptation.     - Supports healthy functioning of surfaces in the eye like the cornea and conjunctiva.  Deficiency could lead to        dryness and corneal scarring.     - Good sources : orange-colored fruit and vegetables like carrots, sweet potatoes, cantaloupe, and apricots. Eggs        and yogurt. Green leafy vegetables and liver. 2. Vitamin C     - Neutralizes damage
Read more
-
Image
  The Scary Truth About Costume Contact Lenses This Halloween you may have seen some spooky contact lenses. Costume contact lenses, also known as cosmetic or decorative contacts, are lenses that change how your eyes look by altering the eye’s color or pupil shape. Even though they may be advertised as cosmetic accessories, please keep in mind that  all  contact lenses are considered medical devices by the FDA – this means they require a prescription and proper fitting by an eye care professional, and proper care by the wearer. Purchasing contact lenses without a prescription is illegal in the United States. Only buy costume contacts from retailers who ask for a prescription and sell FDA-approved lenses – not from the gas station down the street, your nearest beauty salon or pop-up Halloween shop. Some cosmetic lenses have been found to be counterfeit or even re-packaged, which is not sterile and could contaminate your eye. Furthermore, one study found costume lenses that tested positiv
Read more