Presbyopia Treatment – Vizz Eye Drops & PIE Surgery | Dr. Rajesh Khanna

Blurred close-up vision is a frustrating reality of getting older. Presbyopia is a normal part of aging that eventually affects everyone over about age 45. You might find yourself holding your phone or book at arm’s length or struggling to read fine print under poor light – classic signs of presbyopia. This age-related loss of near focus can cause daily inconveniences, from squinting at menus to headaches after long periods of reading. It’s not just you; millions share this experience. The good news is that you don’t have to just “live with it.”

At Khanna Vision Institute, we understand how deeply clear vision affects your quality of life. Led by Dr. Rajesh Khanna, MD, a renowned Beverly Hills eye doctor and Westlake Village vision specialist, our clinic offers life-changing solutions for presbyopia. Dr. Khanna is a trusted expert who has devoted over 25 years to vision correction (with more than 50,000 procedures performed). He’s considered a pioneer in reversing presbyopia with his innovative Presbyopic Implants in Eye (PIE) procedures – in fact, he literally wrote the book on PIE, a bestseller that has educated over 40,000 readers. Under his compassionate care, patients regain the youthful, crystal-clear vision they thought was lost forever. In this guide, we’ll explore two breakthrough presbyopia treatments Dr. Khanna offers – Vizz™ eye drops and PIE lens implant surgery – to help you decide which might be your path to visual freedom.

Understanding Presbyopia and Why It Matters

Presbyopia is often called “aging eyes.” As we age, the natural lens in our eye hardens and loses flexibility, reducing its ability to focus on close objects. The result is blurry near vision – you can see distant road signs just fine, but your text messages look fuzzy. This can impact daily life more than people expect. Reading a bedtime story to your grandchild, checking a price tag at the store, or working at a computer can become challenging tasks. Many people feel older or less independent when they have to rely on reading glasses scattered around the house.

Emotionally, presbyopia can be distressing. You might feel anxious when you can’t quickly read important information, or embarrassed about pulling out glasses in restaurants. Dr. Khanna and our team have seen these struggles firsthand in our patients. That’s why we are passionate about offering solutions that give you your confidence and convenience back. Whether you’re a busy professional, an avid reader, or someone who simply wants to see their phone clearly, treating presbyopia can vastly improve your daily happiness and productivity.

Vizz™ Presbyopia Eye Drops – Clearer Vision in a Bottle

Meet Vizz – a groundbreaking prescription eye drop that can sharpen your near vision without glasses. Recently approved by the FDA in 2025, Vizz (aceclidine ophthalmic solution 1.44%) is the first and only presbyopia treatment of its kind. Formulated by LENZ Therapeutics, Vizz is used once daily to help adults see up close more clearly. Each dose comes in a preservative-free, single-use vial for freshness and safety. If you’ve heard of other “reading vision” drops, know that Vizz is unique: it uses aceclidine, a novel ingredient, instead of pilocarpine. So how does it work?

• Pinhole effect mechanism: Vizz drops gently constrict your pupil (the center of your eye) to create a “pinhole camera” effect. With a smaller pupil, your depth of focus increases, meaning near objects come into clearer focus. Uniquely, aceclidine largely targets the iris sphincter muscle without significantly spasming the focusing muscle, so it improves near vision without inducing a troublesome distance blur or myopic shift. In plain terms, it helps you see up close while generally preserving your distance vision.
• Rapid, lasting improvement: You simply instill one drop in each eye (with a second drop after 2 minutes, as instructed) in the morning, and within about 30 minutes you’ll notice print and fine details snapping into better focus. For many patients, Vizz provides an improvement of 3 lines or more on a reading chart, and the effect lasts up to 8–10 hours. Imagine being able to work a full workday, read or craft in the evening, and drive home without scrambling for reading glasses!
• Non-invasive convenience: As an eyedrop, Vizz is a simple routine you can easily fit into your life. There’s no surgery – just a couple of drops. It’s ideal for those who are not ready for an operation or only need occasional near-vision help. You can use Vizz on days you need it and skip on days you don’t (though consistency may give the best experience). It’s a prescription medication, so Dr. Khanna will evaluate if you’re a good candidate and can provide the prescription and guidance on proper use.
• Safety and side effects: Vizz was proven safe in clinical trials, including tests on people who had prior LASIK or cataract surgery. Because it works via the pupil, it doesn’t permanently change your eye. The effect wears off by the end of the day. Some people might experience mild side effects while the drops are active – the most common are temporary headaches, eye redness, slight burning on instillation, or blurred distance vision in low light. These effects, if they occur, are typically mild and go away as the drop wears off. Dr. Khanna will discuss what to expect and ensure you know how to use the drops correctly (for example, to wait 5–10 minutes before inserting contact lenses or not driving until you’re used to the effects).

Patients who try Vizz often describe it as “liberating.” If you only need reading glasses but hate the inconvenience, or you’re simply not ready for lens surgery, Vizz could be a fantastic option. You can go out to dinner and read the menu without squinting, enjoy knitting or woodworking again, or read bedtime stories with your own eyes – no glasses perched on your nose. As a bonus, because Vizz doesn’t lock your focus like older drops, you can still see far well in most conditions while it’s working. It’s like turning back the clock on your eyes for the day. Our institute was among the first in Southern California to offer Vizz. We’ll show you how to apply the drops properly and incorporate them into your routine. For many, it’s an exciting first step into the world of nonsurgical presbyopia treatment.

PIE: Presbyopic Implants in Eye – A Permanent Solution

For those seeking a long-term answer to presbyopia, Dr. Khanna’s signature Presbyopic Implants in Eye (PIE) procedure may be the ideal choice. PIE is essentially a custom lens replacement surgery – much like modern cataract surgery – designed specifically to correct presbyopia (and often other vision issues at the same time). In a PIE procedure, Dr. Khanna removes your eye’s natural lens (which, in presbyopia, has become stiff and not focusing well) and replaces it with an artificial presbyopia-correcting intraocular lens. These implants are high-tech lenses placed inside the eye that can restore clear vision at multiple distances. In fact, advanced multifocal or extended-depth-of-focus implants can let you see far, intermediate (computer distance), and near seamlessly, reducing or eliminating your need for glasses altogether.

What is it like to undergo PIE surgery? The procedure is performed in our accredited surgical suite on an outpatient basis. It’s remarkably quick and painless – typically taking only about 10 minutes per eye. Numbing anesthetic drops keep you comfortable, and most patients remain awake but perfectly relaxed (medication is given to help you stay calm). Dr. Khanna uses the latest micro-surgical techniques and often a laser assist to precisely remove the natural lens and insert the new implant. The procedure is very similar to cataract surgery and patients go home the same day. You won’t feel anything more than slight pressure on the eye; there are no stitches needed, and the tiny incision self-seals. One eye is usually done at a time (with the second eye a few days or weeks later, based on what’s clinically best for you).

Recovery from PIE is generally quick. You may have mild scratchiness or blurry vision for a day or two as the eye heals and adjusts. By the next day, many people notice significantly sharper vision – it’s like someone cleaned a smudgy window. Colors look vivid, text is crisp, and you can resume most normal activities within a day or so. We’ll provide simple eye drops to prevent inflammation or infection during healing, and we monitor your progress closely. Because the new lens is permanent, the improvement in vision is long-lasting. You also will not develop cataracts in that eye in the future – since cataracts affect the natural lens, and yours has been replaced.

The benefits of Presbyopic Implants are profound and lasting:

• Clear vision at all distances: The multifocal/EDOF (extended depth of focus) lens technology provides multiple focal points, so you can see far, intermediate, and near. Imagine driving and reading the GPS, or golfing and keeping score, without any glasses. Your vision can be as good as (or often better than) it was with contacts or glasses, across a range of activities. Many patients even achieve 20/20 distance and read fine print, regaining the kind of vision they had in their 30s or 40s.
• Goodbye to readers and bifocals: No more buying multiple pairs of drugstore readers, misplacing them, or peering over bifocal lenses. After PIE, you wake up each day with functional near vision. This freedom is life-changing – you can dine out, shop, or use your phone without ever hunting for glasses. It’s a one-time fix instead of a daily device.
• Long-term cost and convenience: While the upfront investment in PIE surgery is higher than a pair of glasses or a supply of eye drops, consider that it’s a one-time expense for a lifetime of clear vision. Over the years, the costs (and hassles) of replacing prescription glasses, readers, contact lenses, or continuously buying eye drop refills can add up. PIE spares you those ongoing costs and the inconvenience of maintenance. The lens implants do not “wear off” – they are designed to last a lifetime without needing replacement.
• Correct other vision issues: If you have additional refractive errors such as astigmatism or farsightedness/nearsightedness, these can often be corrected during the PIE procedure by choosing a specialized lens. For example, toric presbyopia-correcting implants simultaneously fix astigmatism. This means one procedure can address multiple problems, giving you overall sharper vision. If you have early cataracts (clouding of the lens) starting to develop, PIE will also remove them as part of the solution.
• High success and satisfaction: Dr. Khanna’s patients who undergo PIE are typically amazed at the results. Many say it’s like “turning back time” or describe the moment they could read their phone or a restaurant menu the next day without glasses as pure joy and relief. Because Dr. Khanna uses advanced lens designs and tailors the choice to your eyes and lifestyle, our goal is to meet or exceed your expectations for clear vision. And unlike some older methods like corneal inlays, lens implants sit inside the eye and usually aren’t even noticeable to you – you just see clearly.

Of course, as with any procedure, there are considerations. Any surgery carries some risk, though serious complications with lens implants are rare. Dr. Khanna will thoroughly examine your eyes and review your health history to ensure you’re a good candidate. If you have certain eye conditions (like uncontrolled glaucoma, severe dry eye, or retinal issues), he might recommend addressing those first or suggest alternative approaches. During your consultation, he will explain the potential side effects (such as halos around lights at night for some multifocal lens patients) and the recovery process so you have a clear picture. Our team prides itself on honest, transparent education – we want you to feel comfortable and informed every step of the way.

Why Trust Dr. Khanna and Khanna Vision Institute?

Choosing the right doctor is as important as choosing the right treatment. With Dr. Rajesh Khanna and our team, you’re in exceedingly capable and caring hands. Here’s why patients from Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, Westlake Village, and beyond entrust us with their vision:

1. Unmatched Experience & Expertise: Dr. Khanna is a board-certified ophthalmologist with over two decades of experience in refractive surgery. He has performed 50,000+ vision correction procedures, including LASIK, cataract, and PIE surgeries. As one of the most experienced eye surgeons in Southern California, his surgical skill and precision are top-notch. Each member of our staff – from optometrists to surgical coordinators – is highly trained and focused on patient safety and comfort.
2. Pioneer in Presbyopia Treatment: Dr. Khanna was one of the first surgeons in the U.S. to embrace presbyopia-correcting lens implants and has continually stayed at the forefront of presbyopia research. He’s considered a pioneer in the field of PIE (Presbyopic Implant in Eye) procedures, and has even invented surgical instruments and techniques to improve outcomes. When you choose Khanna Vision Institute, you’re choosing a practice that sets trends rather than follows them.
3. Comprehensive, Personalized Care: We don’t believe in one-size-fits-all eyesight solutions. During your consultation, Dr. Khanna will perform a thorough eye examination and discuss your lifestyle, occupation, and goals. He’ll then recommend the best solution for you – whether that’s trying Vizz eye drops first, proceeding with PIE implants, or perhaps even a custom LASIK/PRK if appropriate. Our patient education is second to none; we make sure you understand all options, benefits, and any risks. You’ll never feel rushed or pressured – instead, you’ll feel empowered to make the decision that fits your life.
4. Trusted by Thousands (and Celebrities too!): Dr. Khanna’s excellence has been recognized widely. He’s been honored as a Super Doctor of Southern California in 2023 and acknowledged as one of the top ophthalmologists in the region. He was voted “Best LASIK Surgeon” by readers of the Los Angeles Daily News. Our patients include many doctors, first responders, and even Hollywood celebrities who have chosen Dr. Khanna for their own eyes. This level of trust speaks volumes. Reading through our testimonials, you’ll see stories of people from all walks of life who achieved visual freedom thanks to Dr. Khanna’s expertise and reassuring care.
5. Modern Technology & Accredited Facilities: Khanna Vision Institute is equipped with state-of-the-art technology. From advanced diagnostic scanners that map your eyes, to the femtosecond lasers used in lens and cornea surgeries, we invest in the best tools for the best results. Our surgical facilities are accredited and maintain hospital-grade standards of sterility and safety. We also keep up with the latest FDA-approved treatments – like Vizz drops – to ensure our patients have access to cutting-edge solutions the moment they’re safe and available. You get big-city, Beverly Hills caliber treatment with the warmth and personal touch of a boutique practice.
6. Compassion and Trustworthiness: At our core, we truly care about our patients. Dr. Khanna often says he treats every patient like family – and he means it. In fact, he has performed vision correction on his own mother, wife, and son, which shows the level of trust even his loved ones place in his skills. Our team listens to your concerns, answers every question, and supports you from the first phone call through every follow-up visit. We understand that vision correction is a big decision, and we are by your side to make the journey as comfortable as possible. When you walk into our offices, you’ll be greeted with a smile and leave with newfound optimism.

Which Presbyopia Solution Is Right for You?

Every individual’s eyes and needs are different. Vizz eye drops and PIE surgery are both excellent options, but what’s ideal for a 48-year-old busy parent might differ from what’s best for a 60-year-old professional or a 55-year-old artist. Here are a few guidelines:

• If you value being non-invasive and flexible, or you only need improved near vision for certain tasks (like work hours or evenings out), presbyopia drops like Vizz might be a great first step. They allow you to dip your toe into enhanced vision without a big commitment. Some patients start with drops and later choose a permanent solution when they’re ready.
• If you’re seeking a permanent, hassle-free fix and are comfortable with a minor procedure, PIE could be life-changing. It’s especially suitable if you have other vision issues (like early cataracts or significant farsightedness) that can be addressed simultaneously. Many in their 50s and 60s opt for PIE to “upgrade” their vision for the rest of their lives, rather than juggling multiple pairs of glasses or continual drop use.
• It also comes down to personality and lifestyle: Some people don’t mind using eye drops every day, while others know they’ll forget or find it inconvenient. Some are perfectly healthy for surgery, while others might have health considerations where they prefer to avoid it for now. During your consultation, we will discuss all these factors. Rest assured, there is no pressure at Khanna Vision Institute – our goal is to inform and advise, then let you choose what feels right.

In some cases, Dr. Khanna might even recommend a combination approach – for instance, using drops while you’re in your late 40s and then planning a PIE procedure in your 50s when perhaps a cataract begins or you’re ready for something permanent. Or, if you have monovision LASIK from the past, we might tweak one eye’s focus and still use a drop in the other. The bottom line: you have options, and we will craft a tailored plan to maximize your vision and minimize your dependence on corrective lenses.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How long do the effects of Vizz eye drops last?
   Vizz is designed to provide clearer near vision for most of your day. Most patients experience improved reading vision for about 8 hours, and many up to 10 hours, on a single dose. Typically, you put the drops in the morning and enjoy sharper close-up vision throughout your workday or evening. By the next day, the effect has worn off, which is why the drops are used daily. It’s great for covering you during your active hours each day.


2. Are there any side effects or risks with Vizz drops?
   Generally, Vizz is very safe when used as directed. The most common side effects are mild and temporary – for example, some people may notice a slight brow ache or headache (due to the eye’s focusing effort), or mild redness and stinging right after putting in the drops. A small number of users could experience dimmer vision or halos in low-light situations because of the smaller pupil. These effects reverse as the drop wears off. It’s important to follow Dr. Khanna’s guidance: use the recommended number of drops (more is not better), and don’t drive or do hazardous tasks the first time until you know how your eyes respond. In our experience, most patients tolerate Vizz well. If for any reason you don’t, the beauty is you can simply stop using it – it’s completely non-permanent. Always inform our team if you experience anything more than mild symptoms.


3. What exactly happens during PIE surgery?
   A Presbyopic Implant in Eye surgery is very much like modern cataract surgery. After your eye is numbed, Dr. Khanna makes a tiny incision (just a few millimeters) and uses an ultrasound tool to gently remove your eye’s natural lens. He then inserts a folded up artificial lens through the micro-incision and positions it in the exact place your old lens used to sit. The new lens unfolds into position and stays there permanently. The entire process is pain-free and quick. You’ll be resting comfortably and likely won’t feel anything except perhaps some cool water as your eye is irrigated. There’s no general anesthesia needed – you’re typically awake but lightly sedated so you’re relaxed. After a brief recovery period, you go home the same day with an eye shield, returning the next day for a check-up. Modern lens surgery is one of the safest and most common surgeries worldwide. Dr. Khanna’s complication rates are extremely low, and we take every precaution to ensure a smooth procedure. Most people are pleasantly surprised at how easy and painless the whole experience is!


4. Who is a good candidate for PIE lens implants?
   Generally, adults who are tired of glasses or contacts and are in their mid-40s or older (when presbyopia sets in) make good candidates for PIE. It’s especially appealing for people in their 50s, 60s, or beyond who may also have early cataracts or other vision issues. If you have moderate to high hyperopia (farsightedness), PIE can correct that where LASIK might not be an option. Good candidates have healthy eyes (no uncontrolled diseases of the cornea or retina) and understand the benefits and small risks of surgery. Dr. Khanna will perform a detailed evaluation – checking your retina, cornea, eye pressure, lens status, etc. – to confirm you’re a suitable candidate. We’ll discuss your expectations and lifestyle needs. If you’re someone who demands crisp vision at all distances and are frustrated with constantly swapping glasses, PIE could be ideal. If you only occasionally need readers and don’t mind them, you might choose to wait. It’s very personalized. The key is, you should be free of significant eye diseases and motivated to improve your vision long-term. We have patients ranging from a 45-year-old pilot to a 70-year-old golfer who chose PIE and are thrilled with the results.


5. Will I still need glasses or contacts after PIE surgery?
   The goal of PIE with multifocal/EDOF implants is to make you essentially independent of glasses for most tasks – and in the vast majority of cases, it achieves that. Most patients find they can do all daily activities without glasses: reading, using the computer, driving, seeing the dashboard, watching TV, etc. You might still prefer glasses in certain specific scenarios: for instance, some patients opt for a weak pair of reading glasses for extremely tiny print in dim light (like fine print on a medication bottle) just for extra clarity, or perhaps specialized computer glasses if they spend 10 hours a day at a screen for comfort. But these are optional. Statistically, over 90% of patients with modern presbyopic lenses do not need glasses for the bulk of their day-to-day activities. If absolute razor-sharp vision is needed for a very critical task, minor touch-ups (like a LASIK enhancement) can be done after PIE, though that’s uncommon. It’s also worth noting that if only a standard monofocal lens is used (for certain medical reasons), you might still need reading glasses – but Dr. Khanna will likely recommend a presbyopia-correcting lens for the best outcome unless there’s a reason not to. We will make sure you have a clear understanding of what vision to expect after PIE based on your custom treatment plan.


6. If I have cataracts, can presbyopia treatment help me?
   Absolutely. In fact, PIE is essentially the same procedure as cataract surgery – so if you have a cataract (clouding of the lens) developing, we can address that and your presbyopia in one step. By replacing the cloudy lens with a clear presbyopia-correcting implant, we remove the cataract and give you back a full range of vision. It’s a win-win: you won’t need cataract surgery later because you’ve already done it (just with an upgraded lens!). Many patients choose to do PIE for this very reason. Rather than getting a basic lens for cataract surgery that still requires glasses, they opt for an advanced multifocal lens so that once the cataract is gone, they also enjoy independence from glasses. Insurance typically covers standard cataract surgery; you can pay an extra fee for the premium lens and the presbyopia correction portion (our counselors help explain this). If you’re not yet ready for surgery, using drops like Vizz will not affect a future cataract procedure – it’s fine to use them until you decide to have the cataract removed. Dr. Khanna will guide you on timing; we won’t push you into surgery unless it’s beneficial for your vision and life.


7. How do I get started and what are the costs?
   The first step is to schedule a consultation with us (remember, we offer it complimentary). During this visit, we’ll do the necessary exams and have an in-depth discussion about your options. We’ll provide a clear quote for any procedure. Generally, Vizz eye drops require a prescription and you’ll purchase them from a pharmacy (pricing can vary, and insurance coverage is evolving for this new medication – our staff can help you navigate savings programs if available). PIE surgery is an investment; while insurance may cover basic portions if you have a diagnosed cataract, the presbyopia-correcting lenses are typically an out-of-pocket upgrade. We offer financing plans and payments to make it affordable, and many patients find the cost comparable to what they’d spend on glasses, contacts, and drops over some years – except now they get permanent results. We never want cost to be the barrier to great vision, so talk to us and we’ll work with you. What’s most important is that you reclaim clear vision and live life on your terms.

In summary: Presbyopia might be a natural part of aging, but with modern advances like Vizz drops and PIE lens implants, you have the power to correct it and keep enjoying life with clarity and ease. Dr. Rajesh Khanna and the Khanna Vision Institute team are here to guide you through these options with honesty, expertise, and heartfelt care. We take pride in turning confusion into clarity – both in vision and in understanding your choices. Don’t let presbyopia hold you back from seeing the world the way you want. With the right solution, you can read, drive, and live with the visual freedom you deserve. We look forward to helping you on your journey to crisp, confident vision!