Everyone, at some point, starts to notice that there’s just a little fuzz to the words they’re reading. That it takes an extra moment to focus on the phone or magazine that someone holds up to your face. That maybe that 8 was actually a 6 on that report.
It’s no secret that when you have enough birthdays, you start to need help to read. Extra magnification to help make up for the focusing power your eyes gradually lose. The process starts the moment you’re born, but it usually becomes a problem for people at around age 40. Some are blessed and get by an extra decade or two while some need them even earlier (did you know some kids need bifocals?)
Up until now, the only solution was squinting (inducing the pinhole effect) or slapping on a pair of reading glasses. Or, if you’re near-sighted, you may get used to taking your glasses off to read.
What Else is There?
Just recently, a new eyedrop came on the market called Vuity™. This eyedrop actually works like the pinhole effect we just mentioned! But instead of having that pinhole outside of your eye, it actually makes your pupil smaller.
This eyedrop works best for people more at the early stages of needing help reading (called presbyopia), so if your reading glasses are about a +1.50 strength, Vuity is perfect for you.
Just like most treatment options, there can be some downsides. With Vuity, people sometimes notice a small dimming of their vision (the pupil is smaller and lets in a little less light). The effect is most bothersome when trying to drive at night. The other thing people notice is that their eyes feel a little sore for the first few days of using the eyedrop. It’s kind of like going to the gym for the first time, your muscles are going to feel very sore after getting used more.
How Do I Get It?
Vuity is only available by prescription from your doctor. They will need to talk with you about risks specific to you and ensure you’re a good candidate for treatment before prescribing the eyedrop.
While it is not covered by insurance, Vuity is carried at all pharmacies. You can check into savings programs on the Vuity website.
Call us at (608) 827-7705 and set up an appointment if you’re interested in getting some help reading without reading glasses.