New eye drops could offer an alternative to reading glasses for aging vision

As people age, many develop presbyopia – the age -related fence that makes it difficult to read things at close range – and can turn to reading glasses. But new research suggests that another option could be on the horizon.

Scientists have found that specially formulated eye drops could restore close vision for many patients, offering a non -surgical and not glassing approach to age -related vision loss.

The study, presented on September 14 at the 43rd congress of the European Cataract Society and refractive surgeons in Denmark, followed 766 patients, most of them in the mid -1950s, which felt the classic symptoms of presbyopia.

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Instead of glasses, the researchers prescribed drops containing pilocarpine, a drug that helps the eye to adjust its concentration, as well as diclofenac, a mild anti-inflammatory designed to make the treatment more comfortable.

Dr. Giovanna Benozzi, director of the Center for Advanced Research for Presbyopia in Buenos Aires, Argentina, said in a press release that the team had conducted this research due to the significant medical need not satisfied with the management of presbyopia.

The researchers prescribed drops containing pilocarpine, a drug that helps the eye to adjust its concentration. (istock)

“Current solutions, such as reading glasses or surgical interventions, have limitations, including drawbacks, social discomfort and potential risks or complications,” she said.

The patients were invited to use the drops twice a day, once in the morning and still about six hours later, with the option of a third dose if necessary. Their vision was then measured with small printed eye cards for two years.

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In the hour following the application of the first dose, the patients were able to read many more lines on the almost visions table, revealed the researchers.

In the lowest concentration of drops, almost all participants could see at least two additional lines, while stronger formulations have given a lot to read three or more.

Presbyopia, a condition that makes it difficult to see closely, affects almost everyone with age, according to experts. (istock)

After a full year of daily use, more than eight out of 10 patients still took advantage of improving vision without counting on glasses. For many, the advantages lasted much over a year.

The side effects were relatively minor, the researchers reported. About a third of the participants noticed a brief fat of their vision, while a smaller number reported a slight irritation or headache.

None of the patients has stopped using the drops because of these problems, which researchers have described as temporary and manageable.

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Benozzi, who directed the study, said that the treatment is not intended to replace surgery for those who want a permanent solution, but rather to provide an accessible and non -invasive alternative.

“This gives patient flexibility and could save a lot to constantly reach their reading glasses,” she added.

The principal researcher (not illustrated) said that treatment was not intended to replace surgery for those who wish a permanent solution. (istock)

However, experts warn that more work must be done before the decreases become common. The study was conducted in a single center, which means that its results may not be true for all populations.

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While pilocarpine has been used in other eye treatments for decades, long -term daily use raises questions about potential side effects, such as a reduced night vision or, in rare cases, more serious retinal problems.

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The prolonged use of the diclofenac can also present risks on the surface of the eye, an area which requires additional monitoring, warn the experts.

External researchers say that the results are promising, but underline the need for larger and multicenter clinical trials with longer monitoring periods.