As people age, most develop presbyopia—a difficulty focusing on nearby objects, often leading to the use of reading glasses. However, a new study suggests the solution may be simpler: special eye drops to be applied two to three times daily.

The study, presented at the 43rd Congress of the European Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons, involved 766 patients. Most were able to read two, three, or more additional lines on a near-vision test chart (Jaeger chart) after using the specially formulated drops. The improvement lasted for up to two years, reports *Medical Xpress*.

Dr. Giovanna Benozzi, Director of the Advanced Presbyopia Research Center in Buenos Aires, Argentina, noted:

“We conducted this study because of the significant unmet medical need in managing presbyopia. Current solutions, such as reading glasses or surgical interventions, have limitations, including inconvenience, social discomfort, and potential risks or complications.”

The drops, developed by Dr. Benozzi’s late father, Dr. Jorge Benozzi, contain a combination of two active ingredients: pilocarpine, which constricts the pupils and contracts the ciliary muscle that controls the eye’s accommodation for different distances, and diclofenac, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug that reduces inflammation and discomfort often caused by pilocarpine.

Patients used the drops twice daily, usually in the morning and again about six hours later, with an optional additional dose if needed. The study group (373 women and 393 men, average age 55) was divided into three groups to receive one of three formulations. Each contained a fixed dose of diclofenac, but pilocarpine concentrations varied at 1%, 2%, and 3%.

Researchers evaluated improvements in uncorrected near visual acuity (the ability to read the Jaeger chart without reading glasses) one hour after the first dose and monitored the patients for two years.

Results showed that all three pilocarpine concentrations provided rapid and lasting improvements. On average, patients improved by 3.45 lines on the Jaeger scale within one hour of first use. The treatment also enhanced focusing ability across all distances.

Dr. Benozzi added:

“Our results suggest that this combination therapy offers a safe, effective, and well-tolerated alternative for presbyopia management. It significantly reduces dependence on reading glasses, giving patients a convenient, non-invasive option.”