Some 128 million Americans have trouble seeing up close causing them to need reading glasses, but a Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved eye drop may be able to help with that. The eye drop is designed for those with age-related blurred near vision, a condition that mostly affects people 40 and older.
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How does the eye drop work?
Vuity, which was approved by the FDA in October, is administered through one drop on each eye daily. The medicine takes 15 minutes to go into effect and lasts for six to 10 hours according to the company.
The drops use the eye’s ability to reduce pupil size, which improves near vision without affecting distance vision.
“Most adults cope with presbyopia, or difficulty with near vision, as we age. Beginning around the age of 40, many find themselves using reading glasses, holding text further away, or even increasing the font size and lighting on screens to try to see more clearly,” Dr. Michael Severino, AbbVie vice chairman and president says.
According to an October release from AbbVie, the clinical trial involved 750 people between the ages of 40 and 55. A “statistically significant proportion” of those treated with the drops gained the ability to read three additional lines on a reading charge.
Toni Wright, one of the 750 participants in the clinical trial, liked what she saw.
"It's definitely a life-changer," Wright tells CBS News national correspondent Jericka Duncan.
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Before the trial, Wright had to take her reading glasses everywhere (her office, bathroom, kitchen and car) in order to be able to see clearly.
"I was in denial because to me that was a sign of growing older, you know, needing to wear glasses," she says.
Wright, a 54-year-old retail consultant, first learned about the new eye drop in 2019 through her doctor. She says after using the eye drop, she instantly noticed a difference in her eyesight.
"I would not need my readers as much, especially on the computer, where I would always need to have them on," she adds.
Vuity is the first FDA-approved eye drop to treat age-related blurry near vision.
A 30-day supply of the drug will cost about $80, according to a Vuity spokesperson.
"This is something that we anticipate will be well tolerated long term, but this will be evaluated and studied in a formal capacity," George Waring, the principal investigator for the trial says.
As with many drugs, the company detected some minor side effects in the three-month trial including headaches and red eyes. You may also experience temporary difficulty in adjusting focus between objects near and far after using the eye drops.
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Is Vuity a replacement for eyeglasses?
It is important to note that Vuity is not a cure-all. In fact, the maker cautions against using the drops when driving at night or performing activities in low-light conditions. The drops should only be used for mild to intermediate cases and becomes less effective after age 65, as our eyes age.
As of now, those looking to get their hands on Vuity should note that the drug is not covered by insurance and according to doctors it's unlikely that the drug will ever be covered by insurance, according to CBS News, because it's not deemed "medically necessary". This means glasses are still the less expensive alternative.
However, for Wright and millions with blurred vision like her, the new drug is an easy backup solution with a clear advantage.
"Just a convenience to have that option of putting the drops in and being able to go," she says.
How to properly use eye drops
If you are experiencing vision problems, you should consult with your doctor before using any form of eye drops.
The Glaucoma Research Foundation offers the following tips for using eye drops:
- Start by tilting your head backward while sitting, standing, or lying down. With your index finger placed on the soft spot just below the lower lid, gently pull down to form a pocket.
- Look up. Squeeze one drop into the pocket in your lower lid. Don't blink, wipe your eye, or touch the tip of the bottle on your eye or face.
- Close your eye. Keep closed for three minutes without blinking.
There are also eye drop devices to assist you further if you are still having trouble.
