A HOSPITAL trust has become the first in the country to offer pioneering new glaucoma surgery which could stop patients from going blind.
East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Trust, which runs hospitals in Colchester, Clacton, Harwich and Ipswich, hosted the first of such operations during the start of trials in March.
It is now set to be rolled out across all hospitals after the surgery, which takes up to 20 minutes to complete, was successful for the 12 patients who were operated on.
The minimally invasive glaucoma surgery sees surgeons implant a tiny strip of sponge into the corner of the eye, soaking away excess fluids and in turn preventing further sight loss.
“We are delighted to be at the forefront of this pioneering new treatment,” said the trust’s consultant eye surgeon Chrys Dimitriou, who carried out the surgeries.
“It could make a real difference to hundreds of patients every year by helping to prevent further sight loss and reducing their reliance on eye drops, which can cause red, dry or itchy eyes.
“Although the condition [glaucoma] is irreversible, this fantastic treatment can stop it or delay it from progressing and help to prevent the patient from going blind, which in turn has a huge impact on their quality of life.”
Glaucoma commonly develops as people get older, while high blood pressure, genetics and cardiovascular instability are also risk factors.
As the condition progresses, laser surgery can be used to widen the natural channels which drain fluid from the eye, although the benefits of this treatment can reduce over time.
In these cases, patients would need to have an artificial reservoir created to collect the excess fluid during traditional surgery, which can have a long recovery of up to four months and lead to side effects such as gritty eyes.
Mr Dimitriou added: “As our population continues to age, the number of people living with glaucoma is set to increase in the coming years.
“The introduction of MINIject will allow us to offer these individuals safe, effective treatment which has a long-lasting effect and will help prevent their sight loss from progressing further.”
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