VIZZ (aceclidine ophthalmic solution 1.44%) is the first and only U.S.-approved once-daily eye drop specifically indicated for adults with Presbyopia: age-related difficulty seeing objects up close. Whereas reading glasses or multifocal lenses have been the standard, VIZZ introduces a pharmacologic option: one drop in each eye daily that improves near vision for many users.
How VIZZ Works to Improve Near Vision
Presbyopia occurs because the eye’s crystalline lens gradually loses flexibility and the ciliary muscle becomes less effective at changing focus as we age. VIZZ uses the active ingredient aceclidine, a pupil-selective miotic agent, to constrict the iris sphincter muscle and reduce pupil size. This creates a “pinhole effect” which increases the depth of focus (i.e., how much of the near field remains in sharp focus) without significantly stimulating the ciliary muscle or inducing a myopic-shift (which causes blurred distance vision) as some older drops might.
Clinical trials (the CLARITY 1, 2 and 3 studies) demonstrated that users of VIZZ achieved meaningful near-vision improvement – within 30 minutes of instillation in many cases – and that improvement lasted up to 10 hours in a substantial percentage of participants.
Key Benefits of VIZZ
- Once-daily dosing: One drop per eye each day.
- Rapid onset of effect: Many study participants noted improved near vision in about 30 minutes.
- Sustained duration: Effects lasted up to 10 hours in many cases, allowing several hours of improved close-work without needing reading glasses.
- Minimal effect on distance vision: Because the mechanism focuses on pupil size rather than lens accommodation, distance vision tends to be preserved.
- New modality: Provides an alternative to glasses, contact lenses, or surgical options for presbyopia.
Important Safety & Usage Notes
While VIZZ offers a compelling option, several considerations are important:
- It is prescription only and should be used under the supervision of your eye doctor.
- Contact lenses must be removed before instillation. Lenses may be re-inserted after 10 minutes.
- After dosing, patients may experience temporary dimness or dark vision, particularly in low-light conditions; driving or operating machinery should be avoided until vision is clear.
- There is a rare risk of retinal tear/detachment with miotics; a retinal examination is advised before initiating therapy.
- The most common side-effects observed: instillation-site irritation (~20 %), dim vision (~16 %), headache (~13 %). These were typically mild and transient in the trials.
Is VIZZ Right for You?
If you are an adult over 40-45 experiencing near-vision blurring that reading glasses or contacts help to compensate, VIZZ may represent a novel, non-glasses alternative for near-vision improvement. However, candidacy depends on a full eye exam, retinal health, and a discussion of expectations, with the understanding that the effect is temporary (~10 hours) and daily use is required.
VIZZ marks a significant step forward in the management of presbyopia by leveraging a pharmacologic route rather than solely optical (glasses/contact) or surgical approaches. With its once-daily dosing, rapid onset, and meaningful duration of effect, VIZZ offers a convenient new tool for adults seeking freedom from reading glasses. As with any treatment, proper patient selection and professional supervision are key. Make your appointment today to learn more about VIZZ and if it is a good presbyopia treatment option for you.
