GOOD NEWS FOR BLURRY VISION PATIENTS

GOOD NEWS FOR BLURRY VISION PATIENTS

Here’s a bit of good news that doesn’t come often enough: the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has just approved a new type of eye drop called VIZZ, a once-daily treatment that improves near vision in adults suffering from presbyopia—the medical term for the blurry near vision that comes with aging.

According to LENZ Therapeutics, the company behind this product, VIZZ is the first and only FDA-approved aceclidine-based eye drop for this condition. It works by gently shrinking the pupil, creating a “pinhole effect” much like narrowing the aperture of a camera. This improves near vision without the usual side effects of older treatments—no brow heaviness, no blurred distance vision, and no risky stimulation of the eye’s focusing muscles.

Sounds like a miracle in a bottle, doesn’t it? But while the Americans can expect to get their hands on this by the fourth quarter of 2025, the more important question for us is: What about the Philippines?

A Call to the DOH

I believe the Department of Health (DOH) should act on this right away. If a treatment as simple and non-invasive as eye drops could dramatically improve the quality of life for millions of Filipinos—especially those aged 45 and up—it deserves urgent attention.

But first things first: Does the DOH have any data on how many Filipinos are affected by presbyopia? Surely, it must be a large number. Presbyopia isn’t a rare disorder; it’s a natural part of aging. Almost everyone past 45 will start noticing they have to hold menus or phone screens farther away. Some people might shrug it off or just buy reading glasses from the sidewalk vendors. But for others—especially those whose livelihoods depend on clear vision—it can be devastating.

The Burden of Blurry Vision

Presbyopia may sound like a “minor” problem, but for the elderly who live alone, the tricycle driver reading the boundary logbook, the sari-sari store owner reading expiry dates, or the teacher checking test papers—it is far from minor. Blurry vision leads to loss of productivity, dependence on others, and loss of self-esteem. It can even be dangerous—imagine misreading a medicine label or not seeing the price of goods properly.

And while there are eyeglasses and contact lenses, not everyone can afford the time or money to get them. And many find them inconvenient. That's why this new treatment could be life-changing—a few drops a day, and you’re good for up to 10 hours.

Accessibility for the Poor

This brings us to the next question: How can we make this available to poor people who cannot afford it? If VIZZ reaches our shores, we can be sure of one thing—it will come with a price tag. Probably a hefty one at first. But vision should not be a privilege. Just as we fight for universal access to medicine, healthcare, and vaccines, we should also fight for universal access to something that helps our people function better, work longer, and live more independently.

The DOH and PhilHealth should consider whether VIZZ could be part of a publicly funded eye care program. What about including it in the formulary for barangay health centers? Can LGUs (local government units) or even the private sector help subsidize it? Could eye doctors in our provinces help identify indigent patients who would benefit from free or discounted treatments?

If we can give free reading glasses to schoolchildren and elderly citizens, why not free presbyopia eye drops as well?

Trust but Verify

Let’s also not forget to temper our excitement with scientific caution. While the clinical trials sound promising—with no serious adverse events in over 30,000 treatment days—peer-reviewed data has not yet been published. This is common practice in ophthalmology, but the DOH should still wait for a proper independent assessment by Filipino experts before importing or endorsing the product.

This is not to discourage innovation. On the contrary, I welcome it. I only want to make sure we adopt new technologies responsibly and in ways that truly serve our people.

Eyes on the Prize

So, yes—VIZZ is good news. But good news for whom?

Let’s not stop at marveling at the scientific breakthrough. Let’s push our health leaders and policymakers to make sure that the benefits of this innovation reach all Filipinos, not just those who can afford a trip to the US or a pricey clinic in Bonifacio Global City.

To the Department of Health: please investigate this now. Gather the data. Engage with LENZ. See what regulatory approvals are needed here. And most importantly, start thinking now about access and affordability.

Because what’s the point of clearer vision if we still can’t see the poor?

Ramon Ike V. Seneres, www.facebook.com/ike.seneres
iseneres@yahoo.com, 09088877282, senseneres.blogspot.com

10-01-2025