I have been getting many calls and messages from patients and friends regarding the news in today’s papers about a “Wonder eye drop” that is supposed to get rid of reading glasses miraculously.
So here is a gist of what you ought to know about these eye drops.
What are they for?
They are supposed to replace spectacles or glasses used for reading or near vision.
What does it contain?
The drops contain a lower concentration of a Drug named PILOCARPINE.
How do they work?
These drops work by constricting the pupil, creating a pinhole effect that aids reading as it helps to focus the image more sharply on to your retina.
Are there any side effects?
These drops can lead to significant side effects, including increased risk of retinal traction, tears, and detachment associated with miotics.
Common side effects include headaches, and prolonged use can lead to resistance to pupil dilatation, compromising the safety of cataract surgery.
This can be dangerous while driving as it can cut off peripheral vision.
The pupils of the eye are dynamic in function and need to be constantly adjusting their diameter to adapt to the levels of light.
These drops can reduce vision in low light by not allowing the pupils to dilate, and that’s dangerous.
Caution:
While these drops may work for a carefully selected section of the population, this solution is imperfect and temporary, whereas spectacles remain the safest solution for addressing reading problems.
We all have seen the side effects due to OTC eyedrops containing steroids and antibiotics in the form of increased resistance to antibacterials, development of glaucoma and cataract
Take care of your eyes -they are precious. Spectacles make us see clearly. They can’t be bad or compromise on “quality of life “.
We are yet to see long term side effects of this eyedrop so consult your eye doctor before putting any eye drops.
The recent introduction of eye drops for near vision is not a novel concept, as pilocarpine has been used to treat glaucoma for over 75 years.
This is my personal opinion as a Consulting Eye Specialist, and I am sure most if not all Ophthalmologists would agree.
Dr. Deepti Pithwa,
Consulting Eye specialist
Ashok and Ashok One Hospital
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