A recent study suggests that most individuals could see more lines on eye test charts after taking the drops and sustained the improvement for two years.Scientists have made significant progress in developing special eye drops for people with long-sightedness that might ditch reading glasses or surgery. Almost everyone develops presbyopia as they grow older; this is when it becomes difficult to focus on close-up objects, such as reading or using a phone, and most people rely on glasses or surgery to resolve the problem.
While eyeglasses and surgery are common methods to fix it, glasses are inconvenient for many, and surgery is not an option for everyone. In this vein, recent research indicates that the eye drops may serve as an alternative to reading glasses or surgery, with a study showing that most participants could see better after twice-daily use.
On Sunday, a study presented at the European Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons (ESCRS) in Copenhagen found that most individuals could see more lines on eye test charts after taking the drops and sustained the improvement for two years.
According to a report in The Guardian, experts believe the procedure could be a safe and successful option for individuals who 'seek freedom from the inconvenience' of wearing glasses or who are unable to undergo surgery.
The research involved 766 participants, who were divided into three groups. They used the eye drops twice a day, once when they woke up and again around six hours later. The drops contained pilocarpine, which constricts the pupils, and diclofenac, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID).
Each group received a different formulation. While the diclofenac dose was fixed, the concentration of pilocarpine varied (1%, 2%, or 3%).
Dr Giovanna Benozzi, the director of the Centre for Advanced Research for Presbyopia in Buenos Aires, stated that one hour after the initial dose, patients saw an average improvement of 3.45 lines on the Jaeger chart. "Our most significant result showed rapid and sustained improvements in near vision for all three concentrations. The treatment also improved focus at all distances," Benozzi added.
As per the study, nearly all patients (148) receiving the 1% concentration saw improvement and were able to read two or more extra lines. While a majority receiving the 2% and 3% concentrations could read three or more extra lines.
Benozzi said, "Impressively, 99% of 148 patients in the 1% pilocarpine group reached optimal near vision and were able to read two or more extra lines."
These eye drops may provide an alternative for individuals seeking non-surgical and non-glasses options for presbyopia.
According to the study, the therapy "offers a safe, effective and well-tolerated alternative to traditional presbyopia management," Benozzi concluded.
After the drops were administered, the most common side effects included temporary blurred vision, irritation and headaches.