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PresVu
Context:
Mumbai-based Entod Pharmaceuticals has announced that the Drug Controller General of India (DCGI) has approved its new eye drop, designed specifically to reduce dependency on reading glasses for individuals with presbyopia.
What is Presbyopia?
- Presbyopia is a common age-related vision condition that typically begins around age 40.
- It involves a gradual loss of the eye’s ability to focus on close objects due to the stiffening of the lens inside the eye.
- This condition often necessitates the use of reading glasses to compensate for the diminished near-vision ability.
Key Highlights:
- Pilocarpine, the active ingredient in PresVu, used in India for decades, primarily for treating cataracts. Its ability to temporarily improve focus has been recognised and utilised in other countries as well.
- For instance, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved a pilocarpine eye drop for presbyopia in 2021.
- In India, pilocarpine is available in 4% and 2% concentrations, with its price regulated by the government. PresVu, however, contains pilocarpine at a 1.25% concentration.
How Does PresVu Work?
- Pilocarpine is a compound that affects the iris muscles, which control the pupil’s size and contribute to focusing. By contracting these muscles, pilocarpine helps improve the eye’s ability to focus on nearby objects.
- The eye drop also employs “advanced dynamic buffer technology,” which adapts to the pH level of tears. This technology aims to ensure that the drop remains effective and safe for extended use.
Side Effects and Usage:
- PresVu is a prescription-only medicine, and its effects typically last between four to six hours.
- It is not recommended for individuals with inflammation of the iris. Regular use may lead to side effects such as itching, redness, eyebrow pain, and muscle spasms in the eyes.