Revolutionary eye injection saved my sight, says first-ever patient
Doctors at Moorfields hospital in London have reached a milestone in eye treatment, successfully restoring sight and preventing blindness in individuals affected by a rare and serious condition called hypotony. This condition occurs when the pressure inside the eyeball drops dangerously low, potentially causing the eye to collapse. Traditional treatments like steroids and silicone oil have been largely ineffective over long periods and can impair vision.
The team at Moorfields introduced an innovative method using hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC), a low-cost, water-based gel that allows clearer vision. This transparent gel, already used in certain eye surgeries, was injected into the eye as a novel therapy, marking a significant breakthrough. A pilot study at the hospital, which is the world's first clinic dedicated to this disorder, shows promising results, with seven out of eight patients responding positively to the treatment.
Nicki Guy, aged 47, is one such success story. Sharing her journey exclusively with the BBC, Nicki remarked, "It's given me everything back. I can see my child grow up." Her vision, once reduced to counting fingers due to blurry images, now allows her to read most lines on an eye test chart, vastly improving her quality of life.
Nicki first encountered problems with her eyesight in 2017, and despite initial treatments with silicone oil, little improvement was seen. In a bid to find an alternative, she and her eye doctor, Mr. Harry Petrushkin, experimented with the new gel treatment. "We came up with this as a solution and amazingly it worked," Mr. Petrushkin reflected, highlighting the procedure's impact and potential for widespread application.
The success of this treatment provides hope for many individuals with hypotony, offering a solution that, if viable cells remain in the eye, can restore vision and prevent blindness. Moorfields hospital is now looking to extend the treatment to more patients, potentially helping thousands each year in the UK.