Provide Patients With Presbyopia Relief
Question: Our practice sees several middle-aged patients who experience a decline in their ability to focus on nearby objects. Some of the patients complain about having to wear glasses or contacts. Are there vision alternatives to help these patients? New Hampshire Subscriber Answer: Patients suffering from presbyopia, which is difficulty focusing with near vision, have several treatment options available outside of eyeglasses and contact lenses. Treatment alternatives include refractive surgery such as LASIK, intraocular lens (IOL) implants, and corneal inlays. Another nonsurgical treatment that comes to mind is eyedrops that help provide temporary relief for presbyopia. One product, VIZZ by LENZ Therapeutics, received approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in July 2025 for its aceclidine-based eyedrops. The eyedrops are formulated to contract the iris sphincter muscle to create a pinhole effect and improve near vision in patients. Symptoms of presbyopia develop gradually, typically after 40 years of age. These symptoms include: According to randomized, double-masked, controlled studies, the eyedrops were found to help improve near vision for up to 10 hours after administration. Mike Shaughnessy, BA, CPC, Production Editor, AAPC
