ESCRS

Dual-action eye drops show promise for presbyopia management

September 18, 2025

A retrospective study presented at the 43rd Congress of the European Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons (ESCRS) suggests that specially formulated eye drops may offer a safe, effective alternative to reading glasses for patients with presbyopia.

Researchers followed 766 adults (mean age, 55 years) over two years, assessing near visual acuity using the Jaeger chart after administration of drops containing pilocarpine and diclofenac. Patients used the drops twice daily, with pilocarpine concentrations of 1%, 2%, or 3%.

One hour after initial dosing, patients showed an average improvement of 3.45 Jaeger lines. In the 1% group, 99% of patients gained two or more lines; in the 2% and 3% groups, 69% and 84% gained three or more lines, respectively. Improvements were sustained for a median of 434 days. Adverse effects were mild and transient, with no serious events reported.

The study’s lead investigator, Dr Giovanna Benozzi, emphasized the potential of this pharmacologic approach to meet an unmet need in presbyopia management, especially for patients who aren't candidates for surgery.

Source:

ESCRS Congress. (Sept. 14, 2025). Could we use eye drops instead of reading glasses as we age? [News release]. European Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons. https://www.escrs.org/channels/news/could-we-use-eye-drops-instead-of-reading-glasses-as-we-age