Steve Winyard, Head of Campaigns at the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB), said:
"Although this new device will not bring back vision that has already been lost, surgical options such as iStent can offer a more practical treatment to glaucoma patients who find their current medication to preserve sight difficult. Interim results for iStent look very promising and if shown to be cost effective, we hope that it will become more widely available so that many more patients can benefit.
Regular sight tests are recommended by RNIB to pick up early signs of this or any eye disease."
ENDS
For more information contact Stacey Kerr at RNIB Press Office on 020 7391 2290.
Out of hours: 07968 482812.
Notes to editors
Every day another 100 people will start to lose their sight. There are around
two million people in the UK with sight problems. RNIB is the leading charity
working in the UK offering practical support, advice and information for anyone
with sight difficulties. If you, or someone you know, has a sight problem, RNIB
can help. Call the RNIB Helpline on 0303 123 9999 or visit www.rnib.org.uk