The eyes have it

Elizabeth Lumley Holmes, 67, from York and working in the jewellery industry, was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes in 1998 and was warned it could affect her eyesight.

She visited Bobby Qureshi, at the London Eye Hospital who suggested she undergo a new treatment called Retinal Rejuvenation.

“When I was diagnosed with diabetes I was informed that it could affect my eyes – so I knew I could develop diabetic retinopathy. I go for regular appointments with my optician and last April he told me that my condition was deteriorating. I had previously undergone treatment for cataracts at the London Eye Hospital, so I contacted Mr Qureshi to see if there was anything that could be done,” explains Elizabeth. “He told me about this new treatment and I was delighted. Despite only really having noticed a very slight deterioration in vision in my left eye, I knew it was only a matter of time before it got worse.

“Gradually losing the ability to see properly was a terrifying thought. The procedure was very simple. Mr Qureshi went over the details with me once again so I felt relaxed and in good hands. Some people are scared of having anything done to their eyes, but I think anything to make something better or prevent it from getting worse is a bonus! It took only minutes; drops were put into my eye before the procedure, and I was in and out within the hour.

“Afterwards, all I had to do was put in eye drops for about a week after the procedure. There was no recovery period at all which was simply amazing! Almost immediately, my left eye was less blurry and I could see the improvement. I am so grateful and relieved that the damage has been stopped in its tracks.”

Diabetic retinopathy (blood vessel-related retinal abnormalities associated with diabetes) is the leading cause of blindness in working-age people in the UK, and treatment for the condition is usually only undertaken once the patient’s eyesight has already deteriorated substantially. Traditional laser procedures focus on preserving the patient’s central vision – unfortunately the standard treatment may delay further visual loss but the treatment itself can cause vision loss due to the collateral damage to the retina.

Mr Qureshi said: “Retinal Rejuvenation stimulates a natural biological healing in the eye, is painless for the patient, can be completed in minutes, and minimal aftercare is required.”