New Eye Drops Show Promise as Reading Glasses Choice for Seniors
Buenos Aires – A new eye drop treatment is demonstrating meaningful potential as a non-surgical option for age-related nearsightedness, also known as presbyopia. Results from a study presented at the Advanced Research in Presbyopia meeting in Buenos aires show improvements in near vision lasting up to two years with minimal side effects.
The eye drops combine two active ingredients: pilocarpine, which constricts pupils and contracts the muscle responsible for near-vision focus, and diclofenac, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that reduces discomfort associated with pilocarpine.
Researchers tested the drops on 766 patients, dividing them into three groups receiving different concentrations – 1%, 2%, or 3% – of pilocarpine. Participants’ ability to read an eye chart without glasses was assessed one hour after initial submission and then monitored over a two-year period.
“Our most significant result showed rapid and sustained improvements in near vision for all three concentrations,” stated Dr.Sofia Benozzi, lead researcher. “One hour after having the first drops, patients had an average advancement of 3.45 Jaeger lines. The treatment also improved focus at all distances.”
The study revealed a high success rate, with 99% of the 148 patients in the 1% pilocarpine group achieving optimal near vision and reading two or more additional lines on the eye chart.Approximately 83% of all patients maintained good functional near vision at the 12-month mark. Further, 69% of the 2% group and 84% of the 3% group were able to read three or more extra lines.
Side effects were generally mild,with about 32% of patients experiencing temporary dim vision and just under 4% reporting headache or eye irritation. Importantly, no patients discontinued use due to side effects, and no severe eye problems like increased intraocular pressure or retinal detachment were observed.
Researchers suggest that varying concentrations of the eye drops could be tailored to individual needs. ”Patients with less severe presbyopia responded best to 1% concentrations, while those with more advanced presbyopia required higher 2% or 3% concentrations to achieve significant visual improvement,” explained Dr.Benozzi.
The findings could be particularly beneficial for individuals ineligible for surgery to correct age-related nearsightedness, according to Burkhard Dick, chair of ophthalmology at the University Eye Hospital Bochum in Germany, who reviewed the study. Though, Dr. Dick cautioned that long-term use of both pilocarpine and topical NSAIDs could perhaps lead to unwanted side effects.
“Broader, long-term, multi-center studies are needed to confirm safety and effectiveness before this treatment can be widely recommended,” said Dr. Dick, president-elect of the ESCRS.
It’s important to note that findings presented at medical meetings are considered preliminary until published in a peer-reviewed journal.
More data on nearsightedness in middle age is available from the American optometric Association: https://www.aoa.org/healthy-eyes/eye-health-for-life/adult-vision-41-to-60-years-of-age/
