Can eye drops safely replace reading glasses in older adults?

From around age 40, most people start noticing blurry near vision (“presbyopia”). This happens because the lens in the eye gradually loses its ability to bring near objects into focus. Recently, the United States Food and Drug Administration has approved a new eye drop to treat presbyopia, known as Vuity.

Our aim is to understand the effects of Vuity eye drops on the structure or function of the tissues at the back of the eye, so that we can confirm it is safe for regular, long-term use.

Participants can take part in a short-term and/or a longer-term study. Both studies will involve routine imaging and electrophysiology assessments.

• The short-term study will involve three visits to the Grafton Optometry Clinic (each approximately 2 hours), where you will receive a one-off dose of Vuity in one eye. 
• The long-term study will involve using Vuity eye drops or your own reading glasses, each for 3 months at a time (6 months in total). You will be required to visit the Grafton Optometry Clinic on four separate occasions (each approximately 1 hour).

Up to $200 worth of petrol/supermarket vouchers will be given to participants as koha for taking part in each study.

You are eligible to participate in this study if you:

• are aged 40-55 
• habitually only wear reading glasses for near viewing (e.g. computer work) and otherwise have healthy vision. 

Dr Alyssa Lie

Primary Investigator
Phone: +642102664662
Email: a.lie@auckland.ac.nz

If you have any questions about this study, please contact us for more information.