THE LINK BETWEEN ORAL HEALTH AND YOUR HEART

SEEING

THESE EYEDROPS MIGHT RID YOU OF READING GLASSES

IS BELIEVING

BY NINA GREENPLATE

Tired of searching for your often-misplaced reading glasses? There may be a tiny bottle of eyedrops in your future that could take away the need for them. The new FDA-approved medication, Vuity, hit the market late 2021, but is it the ocular fountain-ofyouth it claims to be?

This once-per-eye, per-day, solution is formulated to improve blurry near vision, or presbyopia, in adults. Lowcountry experts have weighed in on Vuity’s efficacy, and potential side effects.

Scott Schultz, MD of Bishop Eye Center, helped explain the physiology of the eye’s reaction to the primary ingredient in the drops, Pilocarpine. “The solution works to constrict the pupil and contract the ciliary body (the muscle controlling the shape of the lens),” he says. “This allows your natural, crystalline lens to change shape and thicken, thus helping you see more clearly for near tasks.”

Dr. Schultz notes the age-effectiveness of the drops rest in the “sweet spot” between 40-65 years. Beyond a certain age, the eyes’ lens becomes rigid and will no longer change shape easily, even by “forcing” that adjust-

ment through medication. As we age, the lens simply becomes less able to dynamically change.

“This is basically a new take on an old medication,” Dr. Schultz said. “It is produced by a reputable ophthalmic medication company and trusted manufacturer (Bausch and Lomb).”

He said Pilocarpine, in a stronger concentration, was once commonly prescribed for glaucoma. Vuity has reformulated that solution to counter the natural progression of age and resultant presbyopia.

Headache and decreased night vision are the most common side effects. The front of head and brow area may be painful for the four to six hours the drop is working, although, Dr. Schultz notes this may improve with repeated use. The contracting muscle can create the soreness.

Vuity also might make night perception difficult ,as the constricting pupil does not open up as easily, therefore not allowing light in. The drops ideally should be used in daylight, then they wear off at dusk. Bausch and Lomb attempted to balance these side-effects while maximizing the benefit, however.

Optometrist Dr. Nicole Pecko of Darling Eye Center agrees that not everyone is a candidate for the drops and will typically recommend patients start with eyeglasses.

“We have to first ensure that the eye is healthy,” she says. “When considering Vuity, patients should not have prior issues with any inflammatory eye condition or be prone to headaches and migraines.”

She said Vuity is not a “cure all” or an overall solution.

“Those that have high-distance prescriptions must be especially careful as it could cause retinal detachment,” she said.

Pecko believes it is too soon to know definitively but looks forward to Vuity’s progression.

Both agree that Vuity is prescription-only for good reason. A full eye examination is necessary.

“It needs to be dispensed at a doctor's discretion based on overall eye health and history,” says Dr. Schultz.

Vuity is generally not covered by insurance, but patients are encouraged to verify their own prescription coverage.

Does Vuity have the potential to replace readers?

“Yes, with the right person, it can work,” he says. But the jury is still out. “It is hard to turn back the clock.”

Setting expectations is important. Dr. Schultz sees clearly that the decision to use Vuity is a “side-effectverses-benefit balance.”

“The beauty of it is you can try it and see,” he says. “If it works, great. If not, just don’t renew the prescription.”