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Reading glasses have long been a trusted companion for millions of people around the world, helping them read prescriptions, write letters, and immerse themselves in the latest novels.
But a recent study has revealed that these glasses may be a thing of the past, thanks to innovative eye drops that can effectively and sustainably improve near vision.
A team of researchers specializing in presbyopia, a common condition that makes it difficult to focus on near objects with advancing vision, conducted a study of 766 patients.
The results showed that the majority were able to read two, three, or more lines on a Jaeger chart after using the drops, indicating a significant improvement in reading ability without glasses, according to a report published by the British newspaper, the Daily Mail.
The drops used in the study contain two main ingredients:
The first, called pilocarpine, works by constricting the pupil and contracting the ciliary muscle responsible for adjusting focus at different distances.
The second, called diclofenac, reduces the inflammation and discomfort that pilocarpine can typically cause.
Participants also used the drops twice daily: upon waking and again about six hours later, with the option of adding a third dose if symptoms return or they need more visual relief.
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Fast and Sustainable Results
The researchers also measured the ability to Patients were able to read within one hour of the first use, recording an average improvement of 3.45 lines on the Jaeger chart. Importantly, the improvement was not temporary, but rather sustained over the two full years of the study.
Dr. Giovanna Pinosa, director of the Center for Advanced Presbyopia Research in Argentina, said, "This research was conducted because of the significant unmet medical need for presbyopia treatment."
She added, "Conventional solutions such as reading glasses or surgical interventions have limitations, including inconvenience, social stigma, and potential risks."
She also noted, "The most notable results were the rapid and sustained improvement in near vision. Just one hour after the first use, patients recorded a significant improvement, and the treatment also improved their ability to focus at all distances."
A Safe and Effective Alternative
Pinosa explained that the new treatment is not intended to replace surgical interventions, but rather to provide a safe, effective, and personalized pharmacological option for patients seeking to free themselves from the constraints of glasses.
She continued, "For the first time, we have Ophthalmologists offer an evidence-based option that expands presbyopia care beyond glasses and surgery.
The study results were presented at the 43rd Congress of the European Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery, where they received widespread attention from ophthalmologists and other professionals.
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