Tired of misplaced reading glasses? A new eye drops might make you put them in a drawer and then forget them.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved Vuity in October and fell into the market on Thursday.
Vuity treats presbyopia or age-related blurring of near vision, a common progressive disease that reduces the ability of the eyes to focus on close objects and affects nearly half of the American adult population, usually over 40.
Jag Dosanjh, Senior Vice President of Allergan Medical Therapy, a subsidiary of AbbVie, said: "We are delighted to be able to bring this first-of-its-kind treatment to market faster than expected for the millions of presbyopia patients who may benefit from it. The company said in a press release.
"Many Americans solve the problem of presbyopia. Presbyopia usually starts around the age of 40. They rely on reading glasses or resort to workarounds, such as magnifying their digital devices for close observation. As an optometrist who also has presbyopia, I personally and professionally I am very happy to try Vuity for myself and provide it to my age-related patients with near vision blur," said Dr. Selina McGee, a member of the National Academy of Sciences. Optometry.
Toni Wright, a clinical trial participant, said that as she got older, her vision changed and she realized she needed readers.
"I am very pleased to have the opportunity to participate in a clinical study of a new potential treatment option," she said. "I am very pleased that this research-based treatment, which has been identified as Vuity, has now been approved and can be used to treat age-related blurring of myopia."
The once-daily treatment is an FDA-approved eye drops for presbyopia, but it is not a cure. Abbvie warns against driving at night, as users may temporarily have difficulty adjusting focus between near and far objects.
AbbVie added that the drops are suitable for mild to moderate cases and are less effective after 65 years of age.
A Vuity spokesperson told CBS News that the 30-day supply is approximately $80 and is not covered by insurance. The doctor interviewed by CBS News said that considering that glasses are still a cheaper alternative, insurance is unlikely to cover the drug because it is not "medically necessary."
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Nancy Clanton writes and edits local stories about health, travel, activities and entertainment. She is also responsible for coordinating the coverage and promotion of Pulse, a digital magazine for Southeastern nurses provided by Atlanta Constitution Magazine. She is a native of Knoxville, graduated from the University of Tennessee, and worked at AJC for 20 years.