What is Presbyopia? Treatment, New Eye Drops & Reading Vision Solutions
- Miss Shakti Thakur
- Nov 13, 2025
- 5 min read
If you’ve been struggling with reading small print, holding your phone or newspaper further away, or finding you need brighter light just to see up close — you may be experiencing presbyopia.
In this post, our lead expert consultant, Miss Shakti Thakur, breaks down: what presbyopia is; current treatment options; the promising new eye-drops; who can safely use them — and how to choose the right solution.
Whether you’re in your 40s or 50s (or advising someone who is) this is your trusted, up-to-date guide from EyeMedics in Greater Manchester.
Watch the full podcast video here:
What is Presbyopia?
Presbyopia is the age-related loss of the eye’s ability to focus on near objects. As we approach our 40s and beyond, the natural lens becomes less flexible and the muscles that help focus near vision begin to weaken. Miss Thakur outlines the key mechanisms:
The circular muscle (ciliary muscle) that changes the shape of the lens becomes less effective.
The pupil size change that helps near vision becomes less responsive.
The mechanism of convergence (eyes turning inward for near work) also diminishes.
The result: objects at typical reading distance (around 20-30 cm) become blurry, and tasks like reading a menu, book or smartphone screen require more effort.
Recognising the Symptoms of Presbyopia
Presbyopia treatment begins with recognising the signs. According to Miss Thakur:
You find yourself holding reading material further away to see clearly.
When you bring it closer, it goes blurred.
You experience eye strain or discomfort, especially around the brow/temple area, when doing near tasks.
If you recognise any of these, it’s time for a full eye exam with an experienced specialist.
Current Treatment Options for Presbyopia
Traditional solutions for presbyopia remain relevant. These include:
Reading glasses: simple, affordable, effective for many.
Bifocal or progressive lenses: for people who also have distance vision correction.
Contact lenses: monovision or multifocal contacts (require adaptation).
Surgical/lens-based options: for selected patients (e.g., those undergoing cataract surgery with special lens implants).
While these work well, many people are looking for less dependency on glasses. That brings us to the new frontier.
The New Eye Drops for Presbyopia Treatment
Perhaps the most talked-about advance in presbyopia treatment are the new prescription eye drops:
These are mainly miotic agents (e.g., pilocarpine, aceclidine) which constrict the pupil, increasing depth of focus.
Example: the drop originally used for glaucoma (pilocarpine) has been repurposed for near-vision improvement; further advanced drops (aceclidine, etc) have been developed.
In clinical trials (e.g., the “Clarity” studies) patients achieved significant improvement in reading vision without compromising distance vision.
Miss Thakur stresses: although new, these drops are promising — but still require caution and specialist oversight.
Safety, Side Effects & Who Should Use Them
As with any treatment, safety and suitability matter. Key points on presbyopia treatment with drops:
Common side-effects: mild headache, eye irritation/redness, transient dimming of vision (especially in low light).
Contra-indications: narrow-angle glaucoma, prior retinal detachment or high myopia with retinal degeneration.
Ideal candidate (per Miss Thakur): 40s to mid-50s, good distance vision, minimal myopia (-1 to -2D), no major retinal history, understands trade-offs (e.g., small pupil = less low-light vision).
Not ideal for those working in low illumination, night-drivers, or those with significant retinal risk.
Because long-term data is still emerging, the “safe route” remains: reading glasses + specialist exam.
How to Decide What’s Right for You
Choosing the appropriate presbyopia treatment requires a personalised review. Miss Thakur recommends:
Book a full eye exam (including retinal check, pupil/angle assessment).
Discuss your lifestyle: reading needs, screen usage, night driving, tolerance for glasses.
Discuss available options — glasses, drops, contacts or surgery — and understand costs, risks and maintenance.
If you choose drops, monitor your response, be aware of low-light issues and schedule regular follow-ups.
Remember: treatments help manage symptoms but do not “reverse” the aging of the lens.
FAQs on Presbyopia Treatment
Can the new eye drops replace reading glasses entirely?
Not necessarily — while they reduce dependency, they may not eliminate the need for glasses in every situation. Many users still require glasses for very small print or poor light.
How long do the drops last each day?
Duration varies by product and individual; many report improved near vision for several hours. Your specialist will advise on timing and suitability.
Are the drops suitable for everyone with presbyopia?
No — suitability depends on your eye-health history (glaucoma risk, retina health, myopia level) and lifestyle. A specialist assessment is essential.
Is presbyopia treatment only about the eyes?
While presbyopia is an eye-focusing issue, lifestyle matters: adequate lighting, screen breaks, ergonomic reading habits all support better near vision.
Will surgical options become preferable over time?
Possibly — as lens-based technologies evolve for presbyopia (multifocal/EDOF IOLs, etc). But for now, non-invasive options remain first-line for many.
Conclusion
If you’re noticing changes in your near-vision, you’re not alone — presbyopia is a natural part of aging, but you don’t need to accept reduced clarity by default. Between modern glasses, contact/surgical options and now new drops, you have tailored paths.
At EyeMedics, we’re here to guide you through the choice, personalise your treatment, and help you preserve your vision — close up and far — with confidence.
Book your in-person consultation in Bolton, Greater Manchester Area and take control of your near vision today.
Author Bio
Miss Shakti ThakurConsultant Ophthalmologist & Medical Retina Specialist, EyeMedics (Greater Manchester)
Miss Shakti Thakur is a senior consultant ophthalmologist with nearly two decades of experience in advanced retinal and medical eye care. She leads the Medical Retina services at EyeMedics and has a special interest in macular degeneration, diabetic eye disease, retinal vein occlusion, and presbyopia management.
She regularly presents her long-term patient outcome data at national and commissioning forums and is known for her evidence-based yet compassionate approach.
Her philosophy is simple: help every patient see better and live better, using treatments that truly work and are safe.
Consultations available at EyeMedics, Greater Manchester.
Why EyeMedics in Greater Manchester?
At EyeMedics, based in the Greater Manchester area, our lead specialist Miss Shakti Thakur brings nearly two decades’ experience in medical retina and advanced eye-care treatments. We combine evidence-based practice, personalised care and real-world outcomes.
If you’ve begun to struggle with near vision changes, we invite you to book an in-person consultation to explore your treatment options.
👉 Book your appointment today: https://www.eyemedics.co.uk
Medical Disclaimer
The information provided in this blog (and the embedded podcast) is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.Always seek the advice of a qualified healthcare professional regarding any medical condition or before starting any new treatment.Do not disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of information you have read here.Treatment options and results vary for each individual, and some treatments mentioned (such as presbyopia eye drops) may not yet be widely available in the UK.References to specific medications, technologies, or trials are for educational purposes and are not endorsements.If you experience any vision changes or eye discomfort, please book an appointment with a certified ophthalmologist or visit EyeMedics.co.uk for specialist guidance.
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