Potential future therapies include delivery devices, muscle contraction inhibitors, eyedrops and even a transdermal cream.

An estimated 1.8 billion people in the world are living with presbyopia, about 1/4 of the entire population. In the United States in 2020, there were 123 million presbyopes, with the condition’s prevalence at 83% to about 89% among adults 45 years of age and older. 1-3^1-3

Clearly, the market opportunities are enormous as patients increasingly seek freedom from eyeglasses and contact lenses, the traditional first-line options. Late last year, the FDA approved Vuity (1.25% pilocarpine ophthalmic solution, Allergan, an Abbvie company), the first — and so far, only — pharmaceutical drop to treat the condition. More such agents are sure to follow.

Here is a review of seven products at various stages of development. Some of these drops are early in development, so the results remain to be seen until they reach Phase 3 trials.

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