Expert Advice: ‘Do Those Eye Drops That Replace Reading Glasses Really Work?’

In this day and age, so many of the ads we see seem too good to be true. For example: You might have seen an ad for eye drops (from Vuity) that claim to work so well that they replace reading glasses. But how could eye drops improve near-sightedness or far-sightedness? According to our expert, Dr. Heather Moday, they work, but not in the way you think they do. Read what she has to say on the subject below.

Meet our expert.

Heather Moday, MD, is director of the Moday Center in Philadelphia. She is board-certified in allergy and immunology, as well as integrative and holistic medicine. You can follow her on Instagram (@theimmunitymd), where she shares information on health topics. And to ask her a question here, send an email to health@firstforwomen.com.

Eye Drops That Replace Reading Glasses

Q: I saw an ad for eye drops and it claimed the drops can replace my reading glasses. Do they really work?

A: They do! The FDA approved Vuity, a prescription eye drop that treats presbyopia, age-related blurry vision when looking at objects up close, in October of 2021. Presbyopia occurs when the eye lenses become less flexible with age, leading to difficulty focusing on nearby objects. But the drops maintain lens flexibility to improve vision, even for people who have worn glasses for years. What’s more, tests showed that the drops improved near-distance vision in 15 minutes, and the effect lasted up to six hours — without impacting distance vision or the ability of your glasses or contacts to correct for it. 

Talk to your healthcare provider to see if the drops are a good fit for you. A one-month supply is $79. Most insurance won’t cover the cost, but you can use FSA or HSA funds to purchase the drops. 

This content is not a substitute for professional medical advice or diagnosis. Always consult your physician before pursuing any treatment plan.

A version of this article originally appeared in our print magazine, First for Women.