Eye drops developed to cure farsightedness, replace reading glasses

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An experimental eye drop treatment significantly improved near vision in patients with presbyopia, offering a potential alternative to glasses or surgery, researchers reported.

The findings were presented at the European Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons (ESCRS) annual congress in Barcelona.

The drops contain pilocarpine, which constricts pupils and adjusts the lens to focus at varying distances, and diclofenac, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug that reduces inflammation.

The trial involved 766 people in Argentina who used the drops twice daily. Participants were divided into three groups, each given the same dose of diclofenac but varying concentrations of pilocarpine: 1 per cent, 2 per cent, and 3 per cent.

"In the 1 per cent group, almost all patients were able to read two or more extra lines on the chart," said Dr Giovanna Benozzi, director of the Centre for Advanced Research for Presbyopia in Buenos Aires, according to The Guardian. "One hour after having the first drops, patients had an average improvement of 3.45 Jaeger lines. The treatment also improved focus at all distances."

Results showed that 69 per cent of the 2 per cent group and 84% of the 3 per cent group could read three or more extra lines, while 99 per cent of patients in the 1 per cent group reached optimal near vision.

Side-effects included temporary dim vision, irritation, and headaches.

Prof Burkhard Dick, president-elect of ESCRS, said: "Broader, long-term, multi-centre studies are needed to confirm safety and effectiveness before this treatment can be widely recommended."

Presbyopia, also called age-related farsightedness, is different from nearsightedness (myopia). While presbyopia makes it difficult to see objects up close, myopia makes distant objects appear blurry.