FDA approves Ryzumvi (phentolamine) eye drops for age-related near-vision loss

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Ryzumvi (phentolamine ophthalmic solution 0.75%) for the treatment of presbyopia in adults, its maker Viatris announced on 16 October 2026. The drug was developed with Opus Genetics under a licensing agreement.

What changes

• Presbyopia is the gradual, age-related loss of the eye’s ability to focus up close. It usually becomes noticeable in the early to mid-40s and causes eye strain and blurred near vision.
• Ryzumvi was already approved in the US to reverse pharmacologically induced mydriasis — the pupil dilation caused by drops used in eye examinations — in adults and children aged 3 and over. The new decision expands its indications to presbyopia.
• Viatris says it is looking for a US partner to commercialise Ryzumvi for presbyopia, so it is not yet clear when or how it will reach pharmacies for this use.

Safety information

According to the prescribing information quoted by Viatris, the most common eye side effects in the presbyopia studies were eye redness (conjunctival hyperaemia, 21%) and irritation at the application site (16%). The drop is not recommended for people with active eye inflammation such as iritis; contact lenses should be removed before use and re-inserted 10 minutes after dosing.

Limitations

This report is based on a company press release, which does not describe the clinical trial results for presbyopia — such as how much near vision improved or for how long. The release also does not compare the drops with reading glasses. Anyone considering them should talk to an eye-care professional.