Thousands of people at risk of blindness will be spared monthly injections as NHS chiefs approve a new drug that slows the progression of a debilitating eye problem.
The medication, faricimab, will be offered to patients being treated for advanced retinal vein occlusion (RVO).
It is estimated that more than 11,000 people will benefit from the new drug, which is so effective that just three jabs a year are needed, compared with the current monthly injections.
Experts say this could be a ‘big step’ for patients suffering from the disease. RVO occurs when one of the small blood veins at the back of the eye becomes blocked by a clot. This causes blood and other fluids to leak into the retina, causing bruising and swelling.
Over time, it can lead to blindness as the buildup of fluid permanently damages the eye. Studies suggest 50,000 Britons suffer from RVO every year, with the majority being aged over 60.
Within two months of diagnosis, 80 per cent of patients suffer from severe symptoms causing blurred vision.
The exact cause of RVO is unknown, but several conditions make it more likely, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes and smoking.
Treatments have to be given via an injection into the eye once a month.
‘This means patients spend a lot of time coming into hospital,’ says Dr Christiana Dinah, consultant ophthalmologist at London North West University Healthcare NHS Trust.
‘This feels like a big step forwards,’ she adds. ‘Thousands of hours are spent every year on the NHS carrying out these injections.
‘If we could reduce the number we had to carry out, it would free up more time for doctors and help tackle the worryingly large waiting lists we have.’
Roche eye expert Eelke Roos said: ‘There is a high treatment burden for people with this condition in terms of frequency of injections. This causes significant anxiety for patients and carers as they have to fit repeated clinic visits into their already busy lives.’
