FDA Approves Vizz Eye Drops for Presbyopia and Near Vision

Science, CLARITY Trials, and the 10-Hour Vision Upgrade

If you’ve ever held a menu at arm’s length in dim lighting and wondered when your eyesight betrayed you, you’re not alone. For more than 128 million Americans over 40, presbyopia — the age-related loss of near vision — is inevitable. But now, the FDA has given the green light to Vizz 1.44% (aceclidine ophthalmic solution), the first and only aceclidine-based eye drop proven to improve near vision without surgery or glasses.

Video courtesy of The MUPA News — “FDA Approves Eye Drops That Fix Near Vision Without Glasses! | VIZZ Explained”

The BioHax Take

At BioHax Wellness, we don’t just care about what’s trending in health — we care about what’s clinically proven to work. Vizz isn’t another supplement or gadget promising miracles; it’s a science-backed prescription eye drop that could redefine how we think about aging eyes.

Presbyopia has been underserved for decades, leaving people stuck between reading glasses, multifocal contacts, or risky surgeries. With Vizz, we’re looking at a low-risk, high-reward option that optometrists and ophthalmologists can actually get behind.

How It Works

Vizz contracts the iris sphincter muscle to create a “pinhole effect” — reducing pupil size to under 2mm. This extends the depth of focus, allowing you to see up close without sacrificing your distance vision. Unlike older treatments like Vuity, Vizz avoids triggering the ciliary muscle, meaning no myopic shift, dimmed distance vision, or brow heaviness.

The Science Behind the Approval

The FDA’s decision was built on data from three Phase 3 CLARITY trials:

CLARITY 1 & 2 – 466 participants, once-daily dosing for 42 days
CLARITY 3 – 217 participants, long-term safety over six months
30,000 treatment days assessed

Results:

Near vision improved within 30 minutes of dosing
Effects lasted up to 10 hours
71% achieved a three-line improvement at 30 minutes and three hours
40% maintained improvement at 10 hours
Side effects were mild and transient: brief irritation, dim vision, headache
No serious adverse events

Why It Matters

Presbyopia affects most adults over 40
Existing solutions (glasses, contacts, surgery) have drawbacks
Non-invasive, daily-use alternative with minimal side effects
Potential new standard of care for optometry and ophthalmology practices

“This FDA approval represents a disruptive paradigm shift in treatment options for millions of people who are frustrated and struggling with the inevitable age-related loss of their near vision,” says Dr. Marc Bloomenstein, O.D., from the Schwartz Laser Eye Care Center.

Who’s Behind It

Vizz is developed by LENZ Therapeutics, a company pushing the boundaries of non-invasive eye care. With an 88-person sales team ready to roll, they’re planning:

Sample distribution in October 2025
Full U.S. pharmacy availability by late Q4 2025 (prescription required)

Safety & Side Effects

Vizz has been through over 30,000 treatment days in Phase 3 trials with no serious treatment-related adverse events reported — a strong safety profile compared to many other vision treatments, including surgical options like LASIK.

Most common side effects (mild, temporary, self-resolving):

Instillation-site irritation – 20% of users
Temporary dim or dark vision – 16%
Headache – 13%
Mild eye redness (conjunctival hyperemia) – 8%
Ocular hyperemia – 7%

Rare but important considerations:

Blurred or dim vision can temporarily impact activities like driving.
Risk of retinal tear or detachment — rare, but flagged with any pupil-constricting medication. A baseline retinal exam is recommended.
Caution in patients with a history of iris inflammation (iritis).
Possible allergic reactions (rash, itching, swelling) — uncommon.
Systemic effects (nausea, sweating, slowed heart rate) have been reported in cases of overuse or accidental ingestion.

Every medical intervention carries some risk — even routine procedures like LASIK can have side effects. What stands out with Vizz is its low incidence of adverse events, the fact that most resolve quickly without intervention, and the absence of serious events in large-scale trials.

LASIK Patients & Vizz

Mechanism compatibility:
LASIK reshapes the cornea, while Vizz works by constricting the pupil (pinhole effect) to increase depth of focus. The two don’t interfere mechanically, so prior LASIK isn’t a blocker for use.
Presbyopia after LASIK:
Even if you’ve had LASIK for distance correction, presbyopia will still develop with age because it’s caused by lens stiffness, not corneal shape. Vizz targets this specific issue.
Extra screening:
Post-LASIK corneas can be more sensitive. An eye care provider may want to monitor for dryness, glare, or night-vision changes after starting Vizz.
Safety profile:
No trial data yet suggests higher complication rates in post-LASIK patients, but as with anyone using pupil-constricting drops, there’s a small risk of dim vision in low-light conditions its something to discuss if night driving is important.

BioHax Takeaway

Vizz isn’t hype — it’s a well-researched, clinically tested treatment that could save millions from the daily annoyance of reading glasses. If you’re over 40 and tired of squinting, this might be the most important prescription of the decade.

Sources & Further Reading

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Vizz?
Vizz is the first FDA-approved aceclidine-based eye drop for presbyopia, improving near vision for up to 10 hours after a single dose.

How does Vizz work?
It contracts the iris sphincter muscle to create a “pinhole effect,” extending depth of focus without affecting the ciliary muscle.

How quickly does Vizz work?
Most users notice clearer near vision within 30 minutes of application, with effects lasting up to 10 hours.

When will Vizz be available?
Samples are expected in October 2025, with full U.S. prescription availability by late Q4 2025.

Does Vizz have side effects?
The most common side effects are mild and short-lived: irritation at the application site (20%), dim vision (16%), and headache (13%). Serious side effects are rare.

Is Vizz available in Australia?
Not yet. FDA approval covers the U.S. market. Australian availability will depend on TGA approval.

Can I use Vizz if I’ve had LASIK?
Yes, LASIK does not interfere with how Vizz works. However, your eye care provider may want to monitor for dryness or night-vision changes, as the drops can temporarily reduce pupil size.