As you move into your 40s, you might notice yourself holding your phone or a restaurant menu farther away just to see the words clearly. This common and often frustrating change in your vision is called presbyopia, and it happens when the lens inside your eye becomes less flexible over time. Optometrists have been treating this condition for decades, but a new treatment is gaining traction.
A prescription eye drop called Vizz offers a new way to help you manage these close-up vision challenges. This can help you reduce your daily reliance on reading glasses that you constantly have to reach for.
What Is Presbyopia and How Does Vizz Help?
Presbyopia is a natural part of the eye’s aging process that affects your ability to focus on things nearby. It happens when the crystalline lens inside the eye hardens and makes focusing on tasks right in front of you more difficult. You may find yourself:
- Hold your phone or books at arm’s length to see them
- Squint when you try to read small text
- Get headaches after doing close-up work for a while
Vizz is an FDA-approved prescription eye drop you use once a day. It works by reducing pupil size for a few hours. This “pinhole effect” helps your eye focus light more directly, which can make your near vision sharper without significantly affecting your ability to see things far away.
What to Expect from Vizz
Vizz offers a convenient option to help with the daily tasks that require clear up-close vision. It’s designed to fit into your routine with minimal disruption. You simply apply one drop to each eye, wait 2 minutes, then apply a second drop.
After you use the drop, it can start to improve your near vision in as little as 30 minutes. The effects can last for up to 10 hours, helping you get through your workday or an evening out with more visual clarity.
Do You Still Need Your Reading Glasses?
Vizz can reduce your need for reading glasses, but it may not replace them entirely. You might still find readers helpful for certain situations, like reading very fine print or trying to see in dim lighting. For those seeking other solutions, a laser eye surgery consultation can help determine whether other options are suitable for you.
Common Questions About Vizz Eye Drops
It’s natural to have questions about any new vision treatment. Here are some simple answers to common inquiries about Vizz.
Can I Use Vizz with Contact Lenses or After Eye Procedures?
You can use Vizz if you wear contact lenses. Just be sure to take your contacts out before you put in the drops. You should then wait at least 10 minutes before putting them back in. Vizz may also be an option for you if you’ve had procedures like LASIK or cataract surgery.
What Are the Potential Side Effects?
The most common side effects are usually mild and don’t last long. They can include:
- A temporary stinging feeling where the drop was applied
- Dimmer vision, especially in low light
- Headaches
- Temporary eye redness after instilling the drop
How to Get and Use Vizz Correctly
Vizz is only available by prescription after a comprehensive eye exam. Using and storing the drops correctly is important for getting the intended results. You should keep the main box of Vizz in the refrigerator. Once you open a foil pouch that contains the vials, you can store that pouch at room temperature for up to 30 days. Each vial is for a single use and should be thrown away after you apply the drops.
Vizz is not currently covered by insurance. The cost is approximately $79 for a one-month supply, which includes a pack of 25 single-use vials.
Find Out if Vizz Is the Right Choice for You
A professional evaluation helps you know for sure if Vizz is a suitable option for your eyes. Our optometrists at Cherry Creek Eye can look at your vision needs to determine the right path for you. The exam includes a comprehensive assessment of your eye health, including your prescription and pupil size. Our team will talk with you about your daily activities and vision goals to help you make an informed decision.
If you’re ready to explore a new way to manage your near vision, schedule a consultation today.