Vuity
FDA-approved presbyopia eye drops
How does it work?
VUITY™ (pilocarpine hydrochloride ophthalmic solution) 1.25% is a prescription eye drop used to treat age-related blurry near vision (presbyopia) in adults.
The low dose parasympathetic miotic in the Vuity eyedrops works by temporarily decreasing the size of the pupil. Vuity drops still allow for dynamic pupil size movement, meaning it will react in different lighting conditions.
Our pupils work similarly to an aperture of a camera lens. Decreasing the size of the opening will extend the range of focus and increase the amplitude of accommodation. This process increases the ability to read up close while still maintaining distance vision.
Who is an ideal candidate?
Recent data suggests that ideal candidates typically have minimal distance correction. These patients are those who also only need mild amounts or reading power between +0.75D and +1.75D readers.
Another consideration is the patient's natural pupil size. Ideal candidates will see a 40-50% reduction in pupil size with Vuity. Pupils that react more have the potential of temporarily seeing a reduction of distance vision.
Younger patients with a large amount of natural accommodative availability may also experience a temporary myopic distance shift.
What to expect?
Vuity is initially dosed 1 drop in each eye per day. Depending on eye color, the medication takes 15 -20 minutes to take effect and can take 1 week to build up in your system for optimal results. Sucessful patients will achieve a 3-line gain or more for reading a near vision eye chart without loosing 1-line on the distance eye chart.
what's my next step?
At Reimbold Eye Group, our patient's eye health is our top priority. Our Vuity Consultation exam is $100 and that includes everything from carefully evaluating candidacy, prescribing, and a follow up exam.
Before prescribing Vuity, we will determine if you are an ideal candidate. We will then perform a dilated retinal exam and take pre-Vuity pupil measurements.
We will overview side effects and safety information. Next, we will provide a sample of Vuity to try out in your the real-world environment.
In one week, we will follow up to check visual acuities and repeat pupil testing. We will access efficacy and all near vision improvement options.
We look forward to helping you achieve your near vision goals.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
Do not use VUITY if you are allergic to any of the ingredients.
Use caution when driving at night or performing hazardous activities in poor lighting.
Temporary problems when changing focus between near and distant objects may occur.
Do not drive or use machinery if vision is not clear.
Seek immediate medical care if you experience any sudden vision loss.
If you wear contact lenses, they should be removed prior to VUITY use.
Wait 10 minutes after dosing before reinserting contact lenses.
Do not touch the dropper tip to any surface as this may contaminate the contents.
If more than one topical eye medication is being used, the medicines must be administered at least 5 minutes apart.
The most common side effects are headache and eye redness.
These are not all the possible side effects of VUITY.
Side Effects
COMMON side effects
Decreased Vision At Night
Blurred Vision
A Change In Vision
Temporary Redness
Brow Ache
Slight Peripherial Vision Distortion
INFREQUENT side effects
Eye Irritation
Headache
Myopic Shift For Distance
Dimming Sensation In Various Lighting
RARE side effects
Eye Pain
Excessive Saliva Production
Excessive Sweating
Muscle Tremors
Wheezing/Trouble Breathing
Nausea/Vomiting/Diarrhea
Additional side effects may apply
Presbyopia Eye Drops in Alpharetta: Vuity and the Newer Options
After about age 40, most people start holding their phone or a menu farther away to read it. This is presbyopia, the normal age-related loss of near focus. Prescription eye drops for presbyopia can make up-close tasks easier for part of the day, and many people use them to need reading glasses less often.
Vuity was the first of these drops, approved by the FDA in 2021. Since then the FDA has approved three more: Qlosi, VIZZ and Yuvezzi. At Reimbold Eye Group in Alpharetta, Dr. Reimbold examines your eyes and helps you decide whether an eye drop fits your eyes and your day, and which one.
How presbyopia eye drops work
All four drops make the pupil smaller for several hours. A smaller pupil works like a smaller camera aperture: it increases depth of focus, so near objects look sharper. The effect wears off each day. The drops do not cure presbyopia or stop it from progressing. They tend to work best for people in their 40s and 50s who need only a little help reading, and in good light.
The four FDA-approved presbyopia eye drops
| Drop | Active ingredient | FDA approved | How often | Starts working | Lasts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vuity | Pilocarpine 1.25% | October 2021 | Once a day; a second drop 3 to 6 hours later if needed | As soon as 15 minutes for some people | Up to about 6 hours |
| Qlosi | Pilocarpine 0.4%, preservative-free single-use vials | October 2023 | Daily or as needed; a second drop 2 to 3 hours later if needed | As soon as 20 minutes | Up to 8 hours with two doses |
| VIZZ | Aceclidine 1.44% | July 2025 | Once a day | Within 30 minutes | Up to 10 hours |
| Yuvezzi | Carbachol 2.75% with brimonidine 0.1%, preservative-free | January 2026 | Once a day | About 30 minutes | Up to 10 hours |
Timing and duration are as reported by each drug's maker. Results vary from person to person.
Which presbyopia drop works best?
No study has compared these drops head to head, so there is no proof that one works best for everyone. The trials were run in different ways, so their results cannot be lined up side by side. What we do know is how they differ:
- VIZZ is the first drop made with aceclidine. Its maker says it acts mainly on the pupil, with little effect on the eye's focusing muscle, and does not cause the slight nearsighted blur at distance that some people notice with pilocarpine drops.
- VIZZ and Yuvezzi are taken once a day and last up to 10 hours, the longest of the four.
- Yuvezzi is the first drop that combines two medicines: carbachol narrows the pupil, and brimonidine helps keep it narrow.
- Qlosi and Yuvezzi are preservative-free, which matters for people whose eyes are sensitive to preservatives.
- Vuity has been in use the longest, since 2021.
The right choice depends on your pupils, your glasses prescription, your daily schedule, how much reading you do, and how your eyes respond. Dr. Reimbold will go over the options with you at your visit.
Side effects and safety
- The most common side effects reported in the trials include headache, eye redness or irritation, and dimmer vision.
- Because a smaller pupil lets in less light, take care driving at night or doing anything risky in poor light, and do not drive if your vision is not clear.
- Rare retinal tears and retinal detachments have been reported with pilocarpine eye drops. That is why we check your retina with a dilated eye exam before you start. Get care right away if you notice sudden flashes, a shower of new floaters, or a curtain over your vision.
- Take contact lenses out before using a drop, and ask us how long to wait before putting them back in.
Not a fit for eye drops? Other ways to see up close
Drops are one choice among several. Other options include reading glasses, progressive lenses, multifocal contact lenses and monovision. Read more on our presbyopia choices and custom lens choices pages.
Common questions
Are there eye drops that replace reading glasses?
Yes. Four prescription eye drops are FDA-approved for presbyopia: Vuity, Qlosi, VIZZ and Yuvezzi. They improve near vision for several hours a day. Many people use them to need reading glasses less often, but they do not work for everyone.
How long do presbyopia eye drops last?
According to their makers, Vuity lasts up to about 6 hours, Qlosi up to 8 hours with two doses, and VIZZ and Yuvezzi up to 10 hours with one drop a day.
What is the newest presbyopia eye drop?
Yuvezzi, approved by the FDA in January 2026, is the newest. VIZZ was approved in July 2025.
Do I need an eye exam first?
Yes. These are prescription drops. Dr. Reimbold checks your eye health, including a dilated retinal exam, and measures your pupils before prescribing one.
Ask about presbyopia eye drops at Reimbold Eye Group
4180 Old Milton Pkwy 1-D, Alpharetta, GA 30005