(C) AARP

SEOUL — The era of managing "old-age vision" (presbyopia) with eye drops instead of reading glasses is expected to arrive in South Korea as early as this year. As next-generation treatments with fewer side effects receive FDA approval, domestic pharmaceutical companies are accelerating their efforts to bring these innovative "dream drugs" to local consumers.

The Rise of 'Uvezi': 10 Hours of Clear Vision
According to industry sources on February 13, Uvezi, a presbyopia treatment developed by the UK-based biotech firm Tenpoint Therapeutics, recently secured marketing authorization from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

The clinical data for Uvezi is promising. Once administered, the drops begin to take effect within 30 minutes, improving near vision by an average of three lines on a standard eye chart. This effect lasts for up to 10 hours, allowing patients to go through a full workday without relying on corrective lenses.

Kwangdong Pharmaceutical, which holds the domestic rights for Uvezi, submitted an application for approval to the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) last September. Experts believe the recent FDA approval will serve as a critical reference for Korean regulators, potentially fast-tracking the local launch for late 2024 or early 2025.

Overcoming Previous Limitations
Presbyopia occurs when the ciliary muscles and the crystalline lens lose elasticity, making it difficult to focus on nearby objects. Traditionally, treatments utilized low-concentration pilocarpine, a substance used for glaucoma. However, these often caused headaches or "distance blur"—where the ability to see far away was compromised in exchange for near-sight clarity.

The new wave of drugs, however, utilizes more sophisticated mechanisms:

Targeted Stimulation: New formulas like Vyz (Aceclidine) target only the iris sphincter muscle without affecting the ciliary muscle, reducing eye strain and brow ache.
Dual-Action Compounds: Uvezi is the first "dual-complex" drug, combining two active ingredients to extend duration and minimize side effects.
 
While Daewoo Pharmaceutical is working on expanding the indications for its existing glaucoma drug, Pilosta, it is expected to take another 2–3 years to complete the necessary clinical trials. Meanwhile, Lotus Pharma and Optus Pharma are aggressively pursuing the rights to FDA-proven treatments like Vyz and Qlosi to capture the market early.

Conclusion
As South Korea's aging population continues to grow, the demand for non-invasive vision correction is skyrocketing. If the MFDS grants approval this year, these eye drops could fundamentally change the daily routines of millions, trading the clunky "reading glasses" for a convenient, once-a-day ritual.