New treatment for serious eye condition approved

A new treatment for serious eye condition that affects more than 200,000 people in the UK has been approved for use.

The treatment for retinal veil occlusion involves injecting into the eye a biodegradable implant that slowly dispenses anti-inflammatory medications and reduces swelling.

Retinal veil occlusion is caused by blockages in retinal veins, which drain blood away from the retinal cells at the back of the eye. The blood build up creates swelling, damaging retinal cells.

This can result in blurred vision, a dark area obstructing forward vision, or even sight loss.

Retinal veil occlusion is the second-most common disease involving blood vessels of the retina and is a common cause of lost vision.

The implant, called Ozurdex, is the only of its kind to be approved for use in the UK and the EU.

The Royal National Institute of Blind People said the implant was an exciting new development.

The treatment still have to be evaluated for NHS use by the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence.

This article was published on Thu 19 August 2010