Eye drops could replace reading glasses, scientists say
A study of 766 patients showed that eye drops with pilocarpine and diclofenac improved near vision by up to three lines on a reading chart, reducing reliance on glasses.
- Researchers presented a September 14, 2025 study in Copenhagen showing that specially formulated eye drops improved near vision in 766 presbyopia patients.
- The study responded to unmet needs in presbyopia care, as current solutions like glasses or surgery have limitations and some patients cannot undergo surgery.
- The eye drops combined pilocarpine with diclofenac and were used twice daily, producing rapid and sustained near-vision improvements.
- One hour after first use, patients improved by 3.45 Jaeger lines on average, with 99% of the 1% pilocarpine group reading two or more extra lines and mild side effects in 32%.
- The eye drops notably decreased reliance on reading glasses and offered a practical, non-surgical alternative; however, extensive, long-term research is necessary to fully establish their safety and efficacy before widespread adoption.
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Doctors say the answer to reading glasses may already be in a bottle
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…
A study shows promising results. Eye drops could be an alternative to eyeglasses or surgery with age-wide vision. However, too much euphoria is warned.

Eye Drops Replacing Reading Glasses? New Study Says It's Possible
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