.
Image: Freepik
Corrective lenses and eye surgery are common treatments for those who are farsighted (have difficulty seeing close up). However, a new, noninvasive approach could soon be the preferred treatment and even make reading glasses obsolete.
The results of a new study were presented on Sunday at the European Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons (ESCRS) in Copenhagen. The research, which involved 766 patients who were an average age of 55, found that subjects had positive results after using special eyedrops, formulated to improve vision.The eye drops were developed by the late Dr. Jorge Benozzi, whose daughter, Dr. Giovanna Benozzi, now continues his work as the director of the Centre for Advanced Research for Presbyopia in Buenos Aires.
The drops contain pilocarpine, “a drug that constricts the pupils and contracts the ciliary muscle, which is a muscle controlling the eye’s accommodation for seeing objects at varying distances,” as well as the ingredient diclofenac, “a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that reduces inflammation and the discomfort that pilocarpine often causes.”
Participants received one of three doses of the medication, with varying concentrations of diclofenac (1%, 2%, and 3%). Most participants, who suffered from farsightedness, could read two to three additional lines on the Jaeger eye chart used for testing sight after using the drops.
Dr. Benozzi said, per Science Daily, that the way patients responded to the treatments depended on the severity of their condition. “Patients with less severe presbyopia responded best to 1% concentrations, while those with more advanced presbyopia required higher 2% or 3% concentrations to achieve significant visual improvement.”
Still, the drops improved sight, not just for short-range vision, but at all distances. “Our most significant result showed rapid and sustained improvements in near vision for all three concentrations,” Benozzi said. “One hour after having the first drops, patients had an average improvement of 3.45 Jaeger lines [the measurement used for testing near visual acuity].” The improvement was found for up to two years.
Benozzi added, “Impressively, 99% of 148 patients in the 1% pilocarpine group reached optimal near vision and were able to read two or more extra lines.” However, the results of the other groups were positive, too: 69% of the 2% group were able to read three or more extra lines; 84% of the 3% group could do the same.
There were some notable side effects, including temporary dim vision, eye irritation, and headaches. However, Benozzi said the medication was “well-tolerated” and could soon be a viable alternative to surgery and corrective lenses for some.
“It significantly reduces dependence on reading glasses, providing a convenient, non-invasive option for patients, although these eye drops may not eliminate the need for glasses in all individuals,” Benozzi said.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Sarah Bregel is a writer, editor, and single mom living in Baltimore. She’s contributed to New York Magazine, The Washington Post, Vice, InStyle, Slate, Parents, and others.
FAST COMPANY