New Drug to Restore Vision in Diabetic Patients

Macular Oedema is a condition that affects multiple people with diabetes. This condition leads to severe visual impairment, due to fluid leaking from blood vessels in the eye collect in the central part of the retina called the macular area. The results of this condition can be interpreting straight lines as wavy, blurred vision, or sensitivity to light. These symptoms can be debilitating enough to where the patient cannot read, drive, or continue working. Laser treatment is performed on patients with macular oedema, but unfortunately this approach cannot restore eyesight, but only stop the progression. Researchers have now developed a drug that can actually improve patient’s eyesight. The brand name of the drug is called Lucentis and is being reviewed by The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence in order to be made available to the public. Steve Winyard from the RNIB said: "We now hope that a patient access scheme can be agreed swiftly, so that patients with diabetic macular oedema are not left to needlessly lose their sight."
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-15939072