Struggling with close-up vision? These eye drops could replace your reading glasses, says study

Symptoms of presbyopia: Derived from the Greek term meaning “old eye”, presbyopia symptoms include strain on your eyes, headaches, and the need to hold text away from your eyes to read better (Image: Pexels)

If you are over 40 and find yourself holding your mobile phone or a book at arm’s length to read, your eyes are in trouble. A common condition, presbyopia, is caused by the natural stiffening of eye’s lens with age, making it tough to focus on close-up objects.

For years, the usual treatments have been reading glasses or sometimes surgery. But now, there’s some exciting news: recent studies suggest that special eye drops could soon offer a simple and painless way to improve your near vision — no glasses needed. These drops might even help many people ditch their reading specs for good.

Understanding presbyopia:

Also read | Boost eye health: Prevent cataracts, dryness with these 6 nutrient-packed foods in your daily diet

The American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) explains that the lens inside your eye changes shape to focus on things near and far. When you’re young, it’s soft and flexible. But around the time you cross 40 years of age, it grows more rigid, and close vision becomes blurry. This gradual loss causes presbyopia — hence the Greek term meaning “old eye.” The symptoms include strain on your eyes, headaches, and the need to hold text further away to read.

Pilocarpine and diclofenac eye drops:

Presented at the 43rd Congress of the European Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons, a large retrospective study followed 766 patients using eye drops containing pilocarpine and diclofenac. Pilocarpine works by contracting the muscles controlling the eye’s lens, improving focus, while diclofenac eases inflammation caused by pilocarpine’s effects. Patients used the drops twice daily, with some taking a third dose as needed.

Within an hour of the first application, many patients improved their near vision by two or more lines on the Jaeger chart — a standard test for reading ability. Remarkably, these gains lasted for up to two years, reducing or even eliminating the need for reading glasses.

Also read | What is diabetic retinopathy? What your eyes can tell you about your health

Tailoring treatment:

The study tested three concentrations of pilocarpine — 1 percent, 2 percent, and 3 percent. Patients with milder presbyopia saw the best results with the lowest dose, while those with more advanced symptoms required higher concentrations for optimal benefit. Side effects were mild and included temporary dim vision, irritation, and headaches. No serious complications, such as increased eye pressure or retinal issues, were reported.

Dr Giovanna Benozzi, who led the study in Buenos Aires, emphasised that while these eye drops aren’t a cure-all or a replacement for surgery, they provide a much-needed option for those who find glasses inconvenient or are unsuitable for surgical treatment. Professor Burkhard Dick from Germany, commenting on the study, called for broader research to confirm safety and effectiveness but agreed the drops offer hope to many presbyopia sufferers.

FAQs on Presbyopia:

1. What is presbyopia?

Presbyopia is a common age-related condition where the eye's lens becomes less flexible, making it difficult to focus on close-up objects. It typically starts around the age of 40.

2. What are the symptoms of presbyopia?

Symptoms include blurry vision when reading, eye strain, headaches, and needing to hold reading materials further away to see them clearly.

3. How is presbyopia traditionally treated?

Traditional treatments for presbyopia include reading glasses and surgical options.

4. Can presbyopia be treated with eye drops?

Recent studies suggest that special eye drops containing pilocarpine and diclofenac can improve near vision and may reduce or eliminate the need for reading glasses.

5. Are there any side effects of using presbyopia eye drops?

Side effects of these eye drops are generally mild and may include temporary dim vision, irritation, and headaches. Serious complications have not been reported in the studies.

Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for a specific health diagnosis.