The struggle with reading glasses is nearly universal: menus blur, food labels shrink, and instructions seem to mock us with their fine print. But there’s good news. The FDA has just approved a breakthrough eye drop called VIZZ that promises to restore near vision for up to 10 hours — without glasses.
Developed by LENZ Therapeutics, VIZZ is the first aceclidine-based drop designed specifically for presbyopia, a condition that affects more than 100 million Americans. Unlike earlier eye-drop treatments, VIZZ doesn’t strain the eye’s focusing muscles or cause unwanted side effects like brow heaviness.
Instead, it works by gently shrinking the pupil, creating what scientists call a “pinhole effect” — similar to narrowing a camera lens — which sharpens close-up vision while leaving distance sight intact.
That means you can finally slip your glasses back into their case and still read your recipe card, grocery list, or morning crossword with clarity. And remarkable as it may sound, the drop works in minutes, with benefits lasting most of the day.
What makes VIZZ truly noteworthy isn’t just what it does — it’s what it avoids. Unlike Vuity, a prior-generation eye drop, VIZZ provides sharp focus without the problematic “zoomed-in” sensation or risk of rare retinal side effects. That alone marks a game-changer in everyday eye care.
As Marc Bloomenstein, a clinical investigator, explained:
“This FDA approval represents a disruptive paradigm shift in treatment options for millions of people who are frustrated and struggling with the inevitable age-related loss of their near vision. I believe this will be a welcome solution… that could immediately become the standard of care.”
Of course, daily drops aren’t for everyone. Some may prefer the simplicity of glasses, while questions about long-term use remain. Still, for those who want independence from their bifocals — or simply dream of reading a text without rummaging for specs — this could be the next frontier.
Because presbyopia doesn’t wait. Nearly every adult past midlife develops it, and the options have always been limited to corrective lenses or surgery. A safe, on-demand drop offers a new layer of freedom for millions navigating the realities of aging vision.
VIZZ will roll out widely by late 2025, and experts suggest it could swiftly become a standard option in optometry and ophthalmology clinics nationwide.
Ready to imagine life with clearer, glasses-free vision for most of your day? Check out the full article on New Atlas for all the details.
