The FDA approval of VIZZ eye drops for presbyopia has ignited a heated discussion about whether a monthly prescription costing $79 USD is worth it when simple reading glasses cost just $15 USD and last for years. While the drops offer 10 hours of improved near vision without affecting distance sight, many are questioning the economics of this new treatment approach.
VIZZ Pricing Structure
- Monthly 25-pack: $79 USD
- 3-month pack: $198 USD ($66 USD per month)
- Annual cost: ~$1,000 USD
- Availability: Q4 2025
Pricing Reality Check Dominates Discussion
The cost structure revealed during LENZ Therapeutics' investor call has become a major talking point. At $79 USD for a 25-day supply, users would spend nearly $1,000 USD annually on these drops. This pricing has prompted direct comparisons to traditional reading glasses, which can be purchased for as little as $15 USD and typically last several years with basic care. The stark difference has led many to view this as a shift from one-time purchases to ongoing subscription-based vision correction.
However, supporters point out that the drops offer a unique advantage: they don't interfere with distance vision like reading glasses do. For people who frequently switch between near and far tasks throughout the day, avoiding the constant putting on and taking off of glasses could justify the premium cost.
Cost Comparison
- VIZZ drops: $79 USD/month ongoing
- Reading glasses: $15 USD one-time (lasting years)
- IOL implants: Break-even vs drops after 7-8 years
- Daily contact lenses: Similar monthly pricing to VIZZ
Technical Mechanism Raises Questions About Practicality
VIZZ works by shrinking the pupil to create a pinhole effect, similar to adjusting a camera's aperture for better depth of field. This mechanism has sparked discussions about whether users could achieve similar results simply by increasing lighting in their environment, since bright light naturally causes pupils to contract. The trade-off is clear: sharper near vision comes at the cost of reduced light reaching the retina, making everything appear dimmer.
This limitation becomes particularly problematic in low-light situations, where presbyopia symptoms are often most noticeable. Many users report that reading difficulties are worst in dim environments, yet these are precisely the conditions where pupil-constricting drops would be least helpful.
Technical Specifications
- Mechanism: Pupil constriction (pinhole effect)
- Duration: Up to 10 hours per dose
- Dosage: Once daily in both eyes
- Side effect: Reduced light reaching retina (dimmer vision)
Community Explores Alternative Solutions
The discussion has expanded beyond VIZZ to include various presbyopia management strategies. Monovision correction, where one eye is optimized for distance and the other for near vision, has gained attention as a potentially more cost-effective long-term solution. Several community members shared positive experiences with this approach, whether achieved through LASIK surgery or contact lenses.
Intraocular lens (IOL) implants have also entered the conversation as a permanent solution. While requiring upfront investment, these implants could prove more economical than ongoing drop purchases over time. Some users noted that after 7-8 years, the cumulative cost of VIZZ drops would exceed typical IOL procedure costs.
FDA Approval Process Under Scrutiny
The approval of VIZZ has reignited debates about pharmaceutical regulation and industry influence. Questions arose about why peer-reviewed publications typically follow rather than precede FDA approvals, leading to discussions about the balance between regulatory efficiency and scientific transparency. Some expressed concerns about reduced FDA staffing affecting future drug evaluations, while others defended the agency's current capabilities and funding levels.
The broader conversation reflects ongoing tensions about pharmaceutical pricing, regulatory oversight, and whether innovative treatments justify their premium costs when simpler alternatives exist. As VIZZ prepares for its fourth quarter 2025 launch, the market will ultimately determine whether convenience and lifestyle benefits can overcome significant cost disadvantages compared to traditional presbyopia solutions.
Reference: FDA approves breakthrough eye drops that fix near vision without glasses