Islamabad: Eye drops being promoted on social media as a way to get rid of reading glasses can help some people see nearby objects more clearly for a few hours, but they do not permanently improve near vision or eliminate the need for glasses, according to eye specialists and pharmaceutical experts.
The discussion centres on low dose pilocarpine eye drops sold in the United States under brand names such as Vuity and Qlosi. These drops are designed for people with presbyopia, an age related condition that makes it difficult to focus on nearby objects.
Presbyopia usually begins after the age of 40 when the eye’s natural lens gradually loses its flexibility. As a result, people find it harder to read books, newspapers, medicine labels or mobile phone screens without holding them farther away.
Experts say claims on social media suggesting that these eye drops can permanently restore near vision are not correct.
They explain that the drops do not treat the underlying cause of presbyopia. Instead, they temporarily improve near vision by making the pupil smaller, allowing nearby objects to appear clearer for a limited period.
Speaking to vitalsnews.com, Sante Pharmaceuticals Managing Director Tauqir Haq said pilocarpine is not a new medicine and has been used for many years to treat glaucoma.
“Researchers later found that low strength pilocarpine eye drops can also help some people with presbyopia read without glasses for a few hours,” he said.
According to him, the drops work by temporarily constricting the pupil of the eye, creating what specialists call a “pinhole effect”. This increases the depth of focus and helps people see nearby objects more clearly.
He said users may be able to read a book, newspaper or mobile phone without reading glasses for a few hours after using the drops, but the effect gradually wears off.
Tauqir Haq stressed that the drops are not a permanent treatment and do not cure presbyopia.
Eye specialists say reading glasses remain the simplest, safest and most effective solution for most people with age related near vision loss.
They added that pilocarpine eye drops can also cause side effects in some users, including headache, eye redness, pain around the eyes or eyebrows, blurred distance vision and difficulty seeing in dim light.
Experts further warned that these drops may not be suitable for everyone. People with cataracts, retinal diseases or other eye problems should consult an ophthalmologist before using them.
Tauqir Haq said pilocarpine eye drops developed specifically for presbyopia are not currently available in Pakistan. However, similar products have already been approved and marketed in the United States.
Experts note that presbyopia affects most people over the age of 40, but they emphasise that claims suggesting a few drops can permanently restore near vision or provide lifelong freedom from reading glasses are not supported by scientific evidence.
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