Qlosi Eye Drops Show Promise in Improving Near Vision for Presbyopia
A new study indicates that Qlosi, a pilocarpine hydrochloride ophthalmic solution, consistently reduced pupil size and improved near visual acuity in patients with presbyopia over an eight-day period, offering a potential new treatment option for age-related blurry near vision.
The findings, presented at the American Academy of Ophthalmology meeting on October 17-20, 2025, come from the phase 3 NEAR trials, involving 613 participants aged 45 to 64. Participants exhibited distance-corrected near visual acuity between 20/50 and 20/160 and had dark-adapted pupils larger than 3.5 mm at the study’s outset. The trial evaluated the effects of one drop of Qlosi or a vehicle solution administered twice daily for two weeks.
Consistent Pupil Reduction and Vision Improvement
Throughout the first eight days of the study, pupil size reduction remained consistent across all participants. Researchers, led by Mitchell A. Jackson, MD, of Jacksoneye in Lake Villa, Illinois, further analyzed the data based on initial Snellen acuity groups. They observed improvements in all groups from day one to day eight, one hour after the first dose. Specifically, the percentage of patients achieving 20/40 vision increased from 74% to 81%, those reaching 20/32 improved from 52% to 65%, and those attaining 20/25 vision rose from 22% to 42%.
The consistent pupil size and increasing rates of vision improvement led the study authors to suggest that neuroadaptation may play a role in the drug’s effectiveness.
Customizable Dosage Offers Flexibility
According to one expert, a key benefit of Qlosi lies in its customizable dosage. “The drops are approved for one drop initially, followed by a second drop two to three hours later, providing up to eight hours of improved near vision without compromising distance vision,” the expert explained. “This is a significant advantage, as it avoids the dimming of vision often associated with other similar treatments, while delivering excellent near vision outcomes.”
Study Details and Disclosures
The NEAR trials were identically designed, parallel-group studies. Data presented were sourced from Jackson M, et al. “Pupil size reduction and percentage of patients achieving better near vision in presbyopia: NEAR phase 3 clinical trials.”
Dr. Jackson disclosed receiving lecture fees from Orasis Pharmaceuticals.
This research offers a promising step forward in addressing the challenges of presbyopia, a common condition affecting millions as they age.
