Would you try the new vuity eye-drops that claim to treat age-related blurry vision?

*Disclaimer: Vuity eye drops are currently not available in Australia, this blog is purely to discuss the product.*

The future is here! Can you imagine using eye-drops and not having to wear your glasses?! The vuity eye-drops claim to do so.

Vuity is a once-daily prescription eye drop indicated for the treatment of presbyopia, commonly known as age-related blurry near-vision in adults.

If you have reached the 40 mark, you’re probably noticing changes in your vision, which includes having blurry near-vision. If you find that you are squinting, have difficulty reading in low-light conditions and struggle with depth of focus, you have symptoms of presbyopia.

According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, 690,000 people Australia-wide suffer from presbyopia. This statistic is based on those who have had an eye examination to determine these results. Presbyopia affects everyone gradually once you hit the age of 40.

If you are suffering from presbyopia or are showing symptoms, book an eye test with your optometrist.

Contact lenses, reading glasses and even surgery have been the treatments in the past to assist vision deterioration, however, these things can be a hindrance in day-to-day life.

But, finally, another option is now available to treat presbyopia; Vuity (pilocarpine HCI Ophthalmic solution 1.25%), which allows people with presbyopia to see up close without glasses or contacts for several hours in a day.

 

What is Vuity?

Vuity is an optimised formulation of pilocarpine, an established eye care therapeutic, specifically designed to treat age-related blurry near vision. The pH technology allows Vuity to adjust to the pH of the tear film quite rapidly.

How does Vuity work? Are there any limitations? 

After applying the eye drop (once daily), it works by constricting the pupil, which expands depth of field, allowing the eye to focus at a range of distances. It takes 15 minutes or less to start working and can last up to 6 hours for near vision and 10 hours for intermediate vision (such as reading on a computer screen). The result: improved near and intermediate distance vision.

Since the drops reduce pupil size, it will make it more difficult to see in the dark, therefore it is not recommended to use them for driving at night or performing work in low light settings.

The drops shouldn’t be used whilst wearing contact lenses for risk of conditions such as angle-closure glaucoma or iritis.

 

Is it FDA approved?

The FDA based its approval of Vuity on findings from two-phases 3 clinical trials: GEMINI 1 and GEMINI 2.

– A total of 750 participants aged 40-55 years old with presbyopia were randomised in the two studies

– Participants were instructed to administer one drop of vuity or placebo once daily in each eye.

– Both studies met their primary endpoints with a statistically significant proportion of participants treated with vuity gaining three lines (the ability to read three additional lines on a reading chart) or more in mesopic (in low light).

 

Are Vuity Eye Drops Safe?

There were no serious adverse effects observed in any participants treated with vuity in either clinical study. However the most common side effect were headaches and eye redness (in less than 5%).

 

What are the costs involved?

The out-of-pocket cost of Vuity is about $80 for a 30-day supply. Currently insurance or medicare do not cover the treatment cost.

 

Is Vuity worth the hype?

It is hard to tell if Vuity is a must have product for presbyopia sufferers. We are unable to determine any long-term side effects as it is such a new product. Since the product isn’t available in Australia yet, we’ll keep an eye on it’s popularity overseas.

* Consulting with your eye doctor will determine whether Vuity may suit your lifestyle.

*We recommend that you only use Vuity if it is prescribed for you. If you notice any adverse side effects seek medical assistance from your optometrist and stop using the product immediately. 

As we find out more about Vuity, we will be able to determine whether it is a product that will stick around or become an eye-sore (pun intended)