A new drug approved by NHS bosses will mean thousands of people at risk of blindness will no longer need to receive monthly injections

Thousands of people at risk of blindness will be spared monthly injections as NHS bosses approve a new drug that slows the progression of a debilitating eye problem.

The drug faricimab is offered to patients being treated for advanced retinal vein occlusion (RVO).

It is estimated that more than 11,000 people will benefit from the new drug, which is so effective that it requires only three vaccinations per year compared to current monthly injections.

Experts say this could be a “big step” for patients suffering from the disease. RVO occurs when one of the small blood veins in the back of the eye becomes blocked by a clot. This allows blood and other fluids to enter the retina, causing bruising and swelling.

Over time, blindness can occur as the fluid buildup causes permanent damage to the eye. Studies suggest that 50,000 Brits suffer from RVO every year, with the majority being over 60 years old.

NHS bosses (pictured Chief Executive Amanda Pritchard) have approved the drug, which will be offered to patients being treated for advanced retinal vein occlusion (RVO).

Within two months of diagnosis, 80 percent of patients experience severe symptoms that result in blurred vision.

The exact cause of RVO is unknown, but several medical conditions make it more likely, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes and smoking.

Treatment must be done once a month through an injection into the eye.

“This means that patients spend a lot of time coming to the hospital,” says Dr. Christiana Dinah, consultant ophthalmologist at London North West University Healthcare NHS Trust.

“This feels like a big step forward,” she adds. “The NHS spends thousands of hours each year carrying out these injections.”

“If we could reduce the number of procedures that need to be performed, it would free up more time for doctors and help address the worryingly long waiting lists we have.”

Roche eye expert Eelke Roos said: “People with this condition have a high treatment burden due to the frequency of injections. This causes considerable anxiety for patients and carers as they have to fit repeated clinic visits into their already busy lives.”