Eye drops could replace reading glasses in major medical breakthrough

The drug, a pilocarpine solution, works by treating the symptoms of presbyopia, also known as near-sightedness, a condition that becomes worse as people age. Presbyopia is caused by hardening of the lens, which loses the elasticity it needs to focus from far-off objects to closer ones.

Two randomized trials of 750 patients has found the drug to be safe and effective, in general increasing the ability of the people to read by up to three lines in low light. The drops begin working 15 minutes after they are used but reach peak performance after an hour.

If approved, the drops will become the first treatment for presbyopia.