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Key Takeaways
- Presbyopia drops like Qlosi are safe and well-tolerated, with side effects such as headaches occurring in less than 10% of patients and typically resolving over time.
- Optometrists must proactively educate patients about presbyopia drops, as most patients are unaware of this treatment option and rely on their doctor to introduce it.
- Presbyopia drops do not replace glasses or contact lenses—they enhance flexibility, allowing patients to use multiple vision solutions based on their lifestyle.
Presbyopia drops are gaining attention as a modern solution for near vision, but questions around safety, adoption, and real-world use remain common among both optometrists and patients. One of the most recognized options, Qlosi, has helped bring this category into focus—yet several misconceptions still exist.
In this MythBusters-style discussion from the Depth Perception Podcast, hosts Dr. Nadia Afkhami and Dr. Svetlana Nunez are joined by Dr. Mark Schaeffer to break down the realities behind presbyopia drops. The conversation focuses on three key concerns: side effects, whether patients will ask about drops, and the potential impact on optical sales. Most importantly, it provides practical, real-world strategies for integrating this treatment into everyday clinical practice.
Clinical data continues to show reassuring outcomes. Headaches associated with Qlosi occur in less than 10% of patients and are typically mild and temporary. In many cases, patients are already experiencing strain from struggling to see up close, meaning presbyopia drops are often addressing an existing problem rather than creating a new one.
For optometrists, success comes down to education, expectation setting, and confidently introducing presbyopia drops as part of a comprehensive vision care strategy.
Myth #1: Presbyopia Drops Have Significant Side Effects
What the Concern Is
Many optometrists and patients worry about side effects such as headaches, eye strain, and difficulty with night vision when using presbyopia drops.
What the Data Shows
Clinical data for Qlosi demonstrates that:
- Headaches occur in less than 10% of patients
- Symptoms are generally mild
- Side effects are temporary and tend to improve with continued use
As discussed in the episode, these symptoms are often part of the normal adaptation process and improve as patients continue using the drops and adjust visually.
Clinical Takeaway
Presbyopia drops are well tolerated when expectations are set properly. Educating patients on what to expect significantly improves comfort, confidence, and overall success.
Myth #2: Patients Will Ask About Presbyopia Drops
Why This Assumption Happens
Some optometrists wait for patients to bring up presbyopia drops, assuming interest will come from the patient side.
Why It’s a Problem
As emphasized by the hosts, patients are often unaware of newer treatment options like Qlosi and rely on their optometrist to guide them.
If the doctor does not introduce presbyopia drops, the opportunity is missed—and patients may learn about it from non-clinical sources instead.
Clinical Takeaway
Optometrists should proactively introduce presbyopia drops alongside glasses and contact lenses. This reinforces trust, positions the doctor as the expert, and ensures patients receive comprehensive care.
Myth #3: Presbyopia Drops Will Replace Glasses and Hurt Optical Sales
The Fear Around Optical Sales
There is a concern that prescribing presbyopia drops will reduce the need for glasses or contact lenses, ultimately impacting practice revenue.
What Actually Happens in Practice
The discussion highlights that patients are not choosing between options—they are using them together. Many patients still purchase glasses even after starting presbyopia drops.
Patients often adopt a flexible approach:
- Glasses for consistent clarity
- Contact lenses for convenience
- Presbyopia drops like Qlosi for specific tasks or lifestyle needs
Clinical Takeaway
Presbyopia management is no longer “either/or.” It is a combination of solutions tailored to the patient’s lifestyle, often enhancing both patient satisfaction and practice growth.
The Future of Presbyopia Care Starts with You
Presbyopia drops, including Qlosi, represent an important evolution in eye care—but their impact depends on how confidently they are introduced in practice.
Through this conversation led by Dr. Nadia Afkhami and Dr. Svetlana Nunez, with insights from Dr. Mark Schaeffer, one thing is clear: addressing these myths is not optional—it’s essential to delivering modern, patient-centered care.
For optometrists, the next step is simple:
Start the conversation. Educate every presbyopic patient on all available options—glasses, contact lenses, and presbyopia drops—and allow them to choose what fits their lifestyle best.
For patients, don’t wait to ask. If near vision is becoming a challenge, talk to your optometrist about whether presbyopia drops like Qlosi could be the right fit for you.
The future of presbyopia care is built on choice, flexibility, and education—and it starts in the exam lane.
