VIZZ Eye Drops: A New Option for Presbyopia (But Not Yet in Canada)

No More Reading Glasses?

If you’ve seen the headlines lately, you may have noticed talk about VIZZ, a new prescription eye drop that could help people put down their reading glasses — at least for part of the day.

Approved by the U.S. FDA in July 2025, VIZZ promises clearer near vision for up to 10 hours with a single drop. It’s not a permanent fix, but it’s being described as a breakthrough for people in their 40s and beyond who are starting to struggle with presbyopia — the natural age-related decline in near vision.

---

How Does It Work?

The active ingredient in VIZZ is aceclidine, a decades-old drug that works by gently constricting the pupil. Think of it like adjusting a camera lens: narrowing the aperture increases depth of focus, making nearby objects look sharper.

Unlike some earlier drops, VIZZ is marketed as not interfering much with distance vision — which is one of the reasons it’s getting attention.

---

What About Side Effects?

Like most medications, VIZZ isn’t free of side effects. Reported issues include:

• Burning or stinging when the drop goes in
• Temporary dim or dark vision (especially in low light)
• Headaches
• Redness of the eye

And while rare, doctors know that pupil-constricting drops can increase the risk of retinal tears or detachment, particularly in people who are highly nearsighted. That’s why many optometrists are approaching VIZZ with cautious interest.

---

Is It Available in Canada?

Not yet. As of now, VIZZ is only FDA-approved in the United States. Lenz Therapeutics, the company behind the drop, has partnered with a European pharmaceutical firm to eventually bring it to Canada — but no timeline has been announced ).

So for now, Canadian patients will still rely on tried-and-true options like reading glasses, progressive lenses, or contact lenses.

---

What Else Should You Know?

• VIZZ’s main competitor is Vuity, another presbyopia drop based on pilocarpine. Both drugs work in a similar way.
• Neither option is a cure — they provide temporary improvement, not a long-term solution.
• These drops won’t work equally well for everyone. Some people may notice a big difference; others may not tolerate the side effects.

---

Bottom Line

VIZZ is an exciting development in eye care — but it’s not a magic bullet. It shows promise for managing presbyopia, yet side effects and long-term safety remain under study.

Here in Canada, VIZZ isn’t available yet. When it does arrive, it will be one more option in the toolbox for managing near-vision changes that come with age.

In the meantime, if you’re struggling with reading or near work, the most reliable solution is still the simplest: glasses or contact lenses tailored to your eyes.

📅 Book an appointment and we’ll help you find the clearest, most comfortable option for your vision.