OTC presbyopia medication may promote regular physician involvement
Click Here to Manage Email Alerts
Easily accessible medications may promote physician involvement in presbyopia management, according to speakers at the virtual Ophthalmology Innovation Summit Presbyopia Innovation Showcase.
“I think the key to this market is getting something that is over the counter, especially when we’re talking about pharmacologics,” Robert Kissling, MD, said. “Patients can do it on their own, they’re more likely to tolerate some of the inconveniences, and it’s driving people to a physician’s office for regular checkups.”
Although presbyopia is one of the most common refractive issues facing patients worldwide, many have been unable to put a name to the condition and have attributed it to aging, Glen Curran said. Further, even more patients have enlisted the aid of reading glasses as their solution instead of visiting an eye care specialist regularly.
“It’s one of those things that we’ve been exploring because you do have a large amount of patients that don’t see a physician, and driving them to a physician is going to be a big effort on our part,” Heather Floyd, PhD, said. “Having something OTC that’s convenient for these patients that are generally 45 to 55 years old, that’s a good target.”
Widespread OTC medication may also open the door for more in-depth patient education and awareness of all treatment modalities, benefiting overall eye heath.
Collapse
Kissling R, et al. Presbyopia outlook panel - industry perspective. Presented at: OIS Presbyopia Innovation Showcase; Jan. 28, 2021 (virtual meeting).
Read more about
Click Here to Manage Email Alerts