New hope for millions: Eye drops instead of reading glasses

Presbyopia – age-related farsightedness – affects nearly everyone from their mid-40s, though it can occur much earlier. Until now, most people have relied on reading glasses or contact lenses, with some opting for surgery. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has now approved a new alternative treatment.

With Vizz eye drops from Lenz Therapeutics, millions could temporarily put their reading glasses aside. The solution contains the active ingredient aceclidine, which works by narrowing the pupil to create the so-called pinhole effect, thereby sharpening vision. According to the company, the drops take effect within about 30 minutes and last up to 10 hours – significantly longer than similar products like Vuity from AbbVie/Allergan, which typically work for 4 to 6 hours. A key advantage of Vizz is that, unlike Vuity, it does not impair distance vision.

Significant results with minimal side effects

The FDA’s approval is based on three Phase III trials involving more than 680 participants and over 30,000 treatment days. In the CLARITY-1 and CLARITY-2 efficacy studies, near vision improved significantly, while the long-term CLARITY-3 trial confirmed good tolerability over six months. The most common side effects were mild and temporary, including eye irritation, reduced vision in low light, headaches and redness.

Who can the eye drops help?

There is no specific recommendation regarding the diopter range in which Vizz is most effective. On Reddit, an ophthalmologist noted that the drops work best in the early stages of presbyopia, typically between the ages of 45 and 55. They also pointed out that the effect is limited in low light conditions, as the pupils remain constricted.

US launch scheduled for year-end, costs may be high

According to study results, Vizz could spare many people from needing to wear glasses. In the United States, initial samples are planned to be sent to doctors in October 2025, with a market launch expected by the end of the year. No timeline has been set for Europe, where the product will be marketed through partner Théa. However, cost could be a barrier: Vuity, currently available only in the US, costs up to $100 per month and is not covered by insurance – and similar pricing is expected for Vizz.