As we age, our sight tends to become less clear, and some of us will develop what is known as ‘Dry Age-related Macular Degeneration’.
When this happens, the central area of our vision darkens and becomes blurred, making it difficult to see detail, and preventing activities such as driving, reading, watching TV, using computers, tablets, and so on. Even recognising faces can prove difficult.
Until recently, there were no effective treatments for Dry AMD, the only suggestions being lifestyle changes or dietary supplements. Now, sufferers will be delighted to learn that there is a newly developed treatment available locally.
It is a safe, non-invasive, painless therapy which is fully approved under European and UK directives. This breakthrough treatment is known as photobiomodulation (PBT) and uses a cold laser system to produce low levels of red, yellow and infra-red light to stimulate the centre of vision by energising and providing oxygen for cell repair.
Results from extensive monitored trials of the therapy show that for many Dry AMD sufferers, there can be an improvement in sharpness of vision corresponding to some 5 or 8 extra letters on the testing chart. This therapy has also been shown to help diabetics who have certain eye problems related to their diabetes.
Dr Sheeraz Janjua is now providing this new treatment at his special clinics held regularly at O’Brien’s Opticians in Brigg. He can be contacted on 01652 653595.
Image: Dr Sheeraz Janjua using his new laser equipment to treat a patient’s Dry AMD eye problem.