New eye drops may help people with presbyopia avoid reading glasses, say scientists
TOI World Desk | TOI Global Desk | Sep 18, 2025, 21:30 IST
Researchers in Argentina have developed new eye drops that may help people with presbyopia improve near vision without the need for reading glasses or surgery. The drops, tested on 766 individuals, showed significant and long-lasting results with minimal side effects. While promising, experts say more studies are needed before the treatment can be widely approved.
A team of scientists in Argentina has developed a new type of eye drops that may help people with presbyopia see clearly without using reading glasses. The drops are being seen as a possible alternative to glasses or surgery for this common age-related eye problem.
Presbyopia is a condition that usually begins after the age of 40. It affects the ability to see things that are up close. This happens because the lens inside the eye becomes less flexible with age. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 4.2 million Americans aged 40 or above had vision loss that could not be corrected as of 2012. This number is expected to more than double by 2050.
The new eye drops were tested on 766 people. Participants were asked to use the drops twice a day i.e. once in the morning and once about six hours later. The drops contain two medicines: pilocarpine and diclofenac.
Pilocarpine helps the eye focus on near objects by changing the shape of the lens. Diclofenac is an anti-inflammatory drug that helps reduce any swelling or discomfort in the eye. Three versions of the drops were tested, each with a different strength of pilocarpine (1%, 2%, and 3%), but the amount of diclofenac stayed the same in all.
Results show improved
Researchers found that the drops helped people read smaller print on a standard near-vision chart. On average, vision improved by 3.45 lines on the Jaeger chart, which is used to measure near vision.
In the group that received the lowest dose (1%), almost all participants could read at least two more lines on the chart. In the highest dose group (3%), 84% of people could read three or more extra lines. According to the researchers, the improvement lasted up to two years for some patients. The most common side effects were temporary dim vision, mild irritation, and occasional headaches.
Dr. Giovanna Benozzi, director of the Center for Advanced Research for Presbyopia in Buenos Aires, led the study. She said the drops are aimed at people who cannot undergo surgery and want to avoid glasses. She added that the drops may not fully replace glasses for everyone, but they offer a safe and useful option for many. The findings were shared at the European Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons (ESCRS) Congress in Denmark.
Experts say that more research is needed before the drops can be approved for wider use. Until then, glasses and surgery remain the main treatments for presbyopia.
Presbyopia is a condition that usually begins after the age of 40. It affects the ability to see things that are up close. This happens because the lens inside the eye becomes less flexible with age. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 4.2 million Americans aged 40 or above had vision loss that could not be corrected as of 2012. This number is expected to more than double by 2050.
Eye drops used twice daily
The new eye drops were tested on 766 people. Participants were asked to use the drops twice a day i.e. once in the morning and once about six hours later. The drops contain two medicines: pilocarpine and diclofenac.
Pilocarpine helps the eye focus on near objects by changing the shape of the lens. Diclofenac is an anti-inflammatory drug that helps reduce any swelling or discomfort in the eye. Three versions of the drops were tested, each with a different strength of pilocarpine (1%, 2%, and 3%), but the amount of diclofenac stayed the same in all.
Results show improved near vision
Researchers found that the drops helped people read smaller print on a standard near-vision chart. On average, vision improved by 3.45 lines on the Jaeger chart, which is used to measure near vision.
In the group that received the lowest dose (1%), almost all participants could read at least two more lines on the chart. In the highest dose group (3%), 84% of people could read three or more extra lines. According to the researchers, the improvement lasted up to two years for some patients. The most common side effects were temporary dim vision, mild irritation, and occasional headaches.
Not a full replacement for glasses or surgery
Dr. Giovanna Benozzi, director of the Center for Advanced Research for Presbyopia in Buenos Aires, led the study. She said the drops are aimed at people who cannot undergo surgery and want to avoid glasses. She added that the drops may not fully replace glasses for everyone, but they offer a safe and useful option for many. The findings were shared at the European Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons (ESCRS) Congress in Denmark.
Experts say that more research is needed before the drops can be approved for wider use. Until then, glasses and surgery remain the main treatments for presbyopia.