VIZZ Enters U.S. Market: First Aceclidine-Based Solution Transforms Presbyopia Treatment

A New Era in Near Vision Correction

LENZ Therapeutics has officially launched VIZZ (aceclidine ophthalmic solution) 1.44% across the United States, marking a significant milestone in addressing age-related vision challenges. Professional samples are now being distributed to optometrists and ophthalmologists nationwide, with consumer availability beginning in October and widespread retail pharmacy access expected by mid-Q4 2025. This launch addresses a massive healthcare gap affecting roughly 128 million American adults struggling with presbyopia.

Understanding the Problem: Why Presbyopia Matters

Presbyopia represents an inevitable age-related condition where the eye’s crystalline lens progressively stiffens, diminishing its ability to focus on nearby objects. Nearly everyone over 45 experiences this phenomenon, but the impact becomes most pronounced after age 50, when individuals typically lose approximately 1.5 lines of near vision every six years. The condition forces millions to depend on reading glasses, bifocals, or multifocal contacts—a daily inconvenience that affects professional productivity, leisure activities, and overall quality of life. Until now, corrective eyewear remained the primary management strategy.

How VIZZ Works: Innovation in Eye Drop Technology

VIZZ operates through a distinctly different mechanism compared to traditional presbyopia treatments. Rather than altering the lens itself, aceclidine—the active ingredient—selectively targets the iris to create a pinhole effect. This approach contracts the iris sphincter muscle while minimizing ciliary muscle stimulation, which prevents the myopic shift associated with older presbyopia treatments. The result is a pupil diameter of less than 2mm that naturally extends depth of focus, enabling clearer near vision without compromising overall eye function.

Clinical Validation: Real-World Performance Data

The CLARITY Phase 3 trial demonstrated compelling efficacy. Within 30 minutes of administration, 93% of trial participants achieved 20/40 or better near vision—a threshold sufficient for reading smartphone screens and fine print without supplementary glasses. Remarkably, this improvement persisted for up to 10 hours with a single daily dose, delivered through preservative-free, single-dose vials designed for convenience and safety.

Safety Profile and Practical Considerations

Like any medication, VIZZ carries specific usage guidelines. The most frequently reported adverse reactions include instillation site irritation (20%), temporary dim or dark vision (16%), and headache (13%). Secondary reactions occurring in more than 5% of users involved conjunctival and ocular hyperemia (8% and 7% respectively). Critically, the vast majority of these effects were mild, temporary, and self-resolving without medical intervention. Users should remove contact lenses before dosing and wait 10 minutes before reinsertion, and avoid concurrent use with other topical eye medications without maintaining a 5-minute separation interval.

Real-World Impact: Restoring Daily Freedom

The significance of VIZZ extends beyond clinical metrics. For presbyopes, this eye drop represents a pathway to independence—enabling middle-aged and older adults to read price tags while shopping, check phone notifications during conversations, or pursue active hobbies without dependence on corrective eyewear. This restoration of spontaneous near vision capability addresses not just a physical limitation but the psychological burden of age-related decline.

Market Positioning and Company Vision

LENZ Therapeutics positions VIZZ as a “Category of One” therapeutic option, establishing it as the pioneering aceclidine-based prescription eye drop for presbyopia treatment. The company’s leadership emphasizes that early feedback from eye care professionals has been extraordinarily positive. With approximately 1.8 billion people globally and 128 million domestically affected by presbyopia, the addressable market is substantial. LENZ is actively pursuing international licensing partnerships to expand VIZZ access beyond the United States.

Looking Ahead: Distribution and Accessibility

The rollout strategy reflects confidence in market adoption. Professional samples now circulating among optometrists and ophthalmologists will generate clinical experience and brand awareness during the critical pre-launch phase. Beginning in October, commercial shipments through ePharmacy partners will establish initial distribution channels, with expansion into traditional retail pharmacies anticipated by year-end. This multi-channel approach maximizes accessibility for patients newly diagnosed with or long-struggling with presbyopia.