Innovative Eye Drops Offer Alternative to Reading Glasses for Presbyopia Patients

As individuals age, many develop presbyopia—a common condition that impairs the ability to focus on near objects—often leading to dependence on reading glasses. Recent research suggests that specially formulated eye drops could serve as a non-invasive, effective alternative to traditional corrective lenses. A retrospective study involving 766 patients, presented at the 43rd Congress of the European Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons (ESCRS), revealed that the majority experienced significant improvements in near vision after using these eye drops. The treatment involved administering drops twice daily, with some patients also using a third dose if needed, and showed promising results lasting up to two years.

Developed by Dr. Giovanna Benozzi’s team, the eye drops combine pilocarpine—a drug that constricts pupils and contracts the eye’s accommodation muscle—and diclofenac, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug that mitigates side effects such as discomfort or inflammation. Patients received one of three formulations with varying pilocarpine concentrations (1%, 2%, or 3%), tailored based on initial presbyopia severity. Results indicated rapid improvements: just one hour after first use, patients could read an average of 3.45 extra lines on the Jaeger chart, with nearly all patients in the 1% group achieving at least two extra lines of near visual acuity.

Most beneficially, these effects persisted for up to two years, with minimal and mild side effects—including temporary dim vision, eye irritation, and headaches—that did not lead to discontinuation. The study highlights that personalized dosing could optimize outcomes, with less severe cases responding best to lower concentrations. While not intended to replace surgery, this pharmacological approach expands presbyopia management options, providing a safe, convenient alternative for those unsuitable for surgical procedures or seeking to reduce reliance on glasses.

Experts note that longer-term, multi-center trials are necessary to confirm safety and broader efficacy. Nonetheless, this research opens avenues for a novel, patient-friendly presbyopia treatment that could significantly enhance quality of life for aging populations.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-09-patients-special-eye-glasses-age.html