Recent Study: Eye Drops That Could End the Era of Reading Glasses

SadaNews - Reading glasses have long been a reliable companion for millions of people around the world, helping them read recipes, write messages, and immerse themselves in the latest novels.

However, a recent study has revealed that these glasses may become a thing of the past, thanks to innovative eye drops that can effectively and sustainably improve near vision.

A team of researchers specializing in presbyopia - a common condition that makes it difficult to focus on nearby objects as one ages - conducted a study involving 766 patients.

The results showed that the majority were able to read two or three or more lines on the Jaeger chart after using the drops, indicating a significant improvement in the ability to read without glasses, according to a report published by the British "Daily Mail".

The drops used in the study contained two main substances:

The first is called pilocarpine, which works to constrict the pupil and contract the ciliary muscle responsible for adjusting focus at different distances.

The second is diclofenac, which reduces the inflammation and discomfort that pilocarpine can typically cause.

Participants used the drops twice a day, once upon waking and again after about six hours, with the option to add a third dose if symptoms returned or if they needed more visual comfort.

Quick and Sustainable Results

The researchers also measured patients' reading ability one hour after the first use, recording an average improvement of 3.45 lines on the Jaeger chart, and importantly, the improvement was not temporary but continued for a full two years, the duration of the study.

Dr. Giovanna Penhoza, director of the Advanced Research Center for Presbyopia in Argentina, stated, "This research was conducted due to the significant unmet medical need in treating presbyopia."

She added, "Traditional solutions like reading glasses or surgical interventions have limitations, including discomfort, social embarrassment, and potential risks."

She also indicated that "the most notable findings were the quick and sustainable improvement in near vision. Just one hour after the first use, patients recorded remarkable improvement, and the treatment improved the ability to focus at all distances."

Safe and Effective Alternative

Penhoza explained that the new treatment is not intended to replace surgical interventions but to provide a safe, effective, and personalized pharmaceutical option for patients looking to free themselves from the constraints of glasses.

She continued: "For the first time, eye specialists have an evidence-based option that extends the care of presbyopia beyond glasses and surgery."

It is noteworthy that the study results were presented at the 43rd Congress of the European Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery, where they garnered significant interest from doctors and specialists in the field of ophthalmology.