December 14, 2021-A new FDA-approved eye drop can replace the reading glasses of millions of Americans with age-related blurred vision.

The product, called Vuity, was approved by the FDA in October and went on the market last week. The new medicine starts to work in about 15 minutes and provides clearer vision in 6 to 10 hours.

Vuity is the first eye drops approved by the FDA to treat presbyopia. Presbyopia often affects people 40 years and older. Prescription drugs use the natural ability of the eye to reduce pupil size.

"Pupillary reduction can expand the depth of field or depth of focus, which allows you to naturally focus on different areas," the lead researcher of the clinical trial George Waring, MD, told CBS News.

For people who use drops, it may be difficult to adjust the focus between objects at first. During clinical trials, the drops had mild side effects such as headaches and red eyes.

Waring said: "We expect that this will be well tolerated in the long run, but it will be evaluated and studied in a formal capacity."

According to a press release from Allergan, which makes the drops, ophthalmologists can diagnose presbyopia through basic eye exams. This is a common and progressive eye disease that affects 128 million Americans.

Allergan said that in a clinical trial where 750 presbyopia participants tested the drops, a "statistically significant percentage" was able to read three or more lines on the reading sheet.

These drops are suitable for patients with mild to moderate presbyopia and should not be used when driving at night or during activities in low light conditions. The drops will not help people with other eye diseases, such as myopia (nearsightedness) and farsightedness (farsightedness).

Drops are most suitable for 40-55 years old, but the effect is poor after 65 years old.

According to CBS News, the 30-day supply cost is approximately $80, which is not covered by insurance.

CBS News: "The new FDA-approved eye drops can replace the reading glasses of millions of people:'This is definitely a way to change lives.'"

AbbVie: "VUITY (pilocarpine hydrochloride eye drops) 1.25%, the first and only FDA-approved eye drops for the treatment of age-related myopia blur (presbyopia), is now on the market."

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