New hope for patients with 'debilitating' eye condition in Somerset
Patients in Somerset with a "debilitating" condition that causes blurred vision can now access treatment that prevents progression of the condition. Keratoconus, which causes the cornea to thin, normally develops during teenage years or early adulthood and tends to gradually worsen over time. A new procedure has been introduced at Taunton's Musgrove Park Hospital in Somerset to treat patients – called corneal cross-linking.Kevin Slade, 48, from Taunton, has had the procedure in his left eye and said it had made his vision "so much better".
Warning: This article contains a graphic image below of an eye procedure
Keratoconus is a type of corneal ectasia, where the round clear window of a patient's eye becomes progressively thin, causing it to become cone shaped and irregular. The speed and severity of change in vision is most common in people with connective tissue diseases, allergic eye disease, conditions such as Down's Syndrome, and children with learning difficulties or autism.Mr Slade said he was relieved to have his left eye operated on December. The 48-year-old has learning disabilities and was anxious about having to travel to London for the procedure.He was on the verge of losing his driving license because of blurred vision but is now able to carry on living and normal life as his condition has been stabilised.Mr Slade said: "It was quite a big impact on driving for me before but having the operation has made it so much better and that amazing surgery was very very quick, and no pain at all."
The cross-linking procedure helps fix it by removing the surface layer of the cornea (the epithelium) and then placing riboflavin drops onto the eye which are excited by using UV light and then form free radicals.Those free radicals lead to covalent bonds forming within the cornea making it stronger.It is the only treatment available that stops keratoconus from getting worse, and has a 95% success rate, with only 5% of patients going on to need further treatment, according to NHS figures.Patients with keratoconus will no longer need a lifetime supply of contact lenses, which tended to cost the NHS £600 per patient, per year, over their lifetime.
Ruta Balakit, from Bridgwater has also recently had the procedure after discovering she had a problem with her vison a year ago.The 38-year-old said: "My eyes were quite itchy mostly in the evenings. "Even sometimes it would wake me up. I started to think what's wrong?"After a check up at Specsavers, Ms Balakit was referred to hospital. "I am happy its hear I don't need to go far away for treatment - that is really good," she said. Somerset NHS Foundation Trust is the only trust in the South West area to offer the procedure.
Mr Indy Sian, consultant ophthalmologist at Musgrove Park Hospital, said: "Historically, our patients have needed to be seen at a specialist clinic in London to have this treatment, which was understandably very difficult for young families, or those individuals with additional needs."Patients with a learning disability or Down's Syndrome may struggle to understand the whole process, so being able to have their treatment in a more familiar setting will be to their advantage. "It will also make subsequent follow-up care much easier."He added the condition can have a "debilitating effect" on peoples lives, as it can impact schooling, lead to other injuries through falls and can lead to needing a corneal transplant. "Being able to offer this cross-linking procedure here in Somerset means we have an effective way of stabilising a patient's sight, so it does not get any worse over the years, and it can even improve the sight in some cases," Mr Sian added.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Mirror
4 minutes ago
- Daily Mirror
Dr Amir Khan shares warning about sepsis as he lists symptoms to look for
NHS doctor Amir Khan is urging people to look out for seven warning signs and symptoms of sepsis as it's important to catch it and start treatment early to avoid serious complications Sepsis is a condition that many people most likely will have heard of at some point in their life. However, many might not realise just how dangerous it can be. Sepsis a life-threatening condition that's happens when the body's response to infection ends up attacking its own tissues and organs, with the immune system going into overdrive. The UK Sepsis Trust reports 245,000 cases and 48,000 deaths annually in the UK. That's around four people dying every hour. It's a leading cause of death, surpassing some cancers, and a significant portion of cases are preventable with timely diagnosis and treatment. Many of these cases could be prevented with early diagnosis and treatment. In order to help boost public understanding of sepsis and help spot early signs, NHS GP Dr Amir Khan, known for appearing on ITV shows such as Lorraine, took to social media to discussing what sepsis does to the body and outline share warning signs everyone should look out for. "Let's talk about sepsis," medical exper t Dr Khan said at the start of the video. "Now sepsis occurs when your immune system has a dangerous reaction to an infection. Now, normally when you have an infection, your immune system works to try to fight it." However, sometimes your immune system stops fighting the infection and starts damaging your tissues and organs, leading to widespread inflammation throughout your body. At the same time, an abnormal chain reaction in your clotting system can cause blood clots to form in your blood vessels. "This reduces blood flow to different parts of your body and causes significant damage or even organ failure," he explained. "It can happen as a result of any type of infection." He went on to say: "The people who are most at risk of sepsis are those aged over 65, newborns and infants, pregnant women, those with underlying medical conditions and weakened immune systems, and anyone with things like catheters or tubes in place." Symptoms of sepsis So what are the symptoms of sepsis? Dr Khan went on to share seven signs you should look out for. "Symptoms of sepsis include weakness and fatigue, a fast heart rate, low blood pressure, a very high or very low temperature, shaking and chills, cold clammy skin, and pain," he shared. According to the NHS, other signs may include pale, blotchy, or blue skin, lips, or tongue, a rash that doesn't fade when pressed, difficulty breathing, and feeling very hot or cold. "Now, sepsis is a medical emergency and if you think anyone is suffering from sepsis, get prompt medical advice," Dr Khan said. "The quicker you seek treatment, the better their outcome will be." If a baby or a young child shows signs of sepsis, the NHS advises you to call 999 or visit A&E immediately. This advice also applies if an adult or older child exhibits symptoms such as confusion, slurred speech, skin that is blue, grey, pale or blotchy, lips or tongue, a rash that doesn't fade when a glass is rolled over it, or experiences difficulty breathing, breathlessness or rapid breathing. If you or someone else is showing signs of sepsis, the NHS recommends calling 111 for guidance on what to do next.
ITV News
14 minutes ago
- ITV News
Mounjaro weight loss jabs now available at GPs in England
Thousands of patients in England will be able to access weight loss jabs via their GP from Monday as they are allowed to prescribe the drugs for the first time. Around 220,000 people with 'greatest need' are expected to receive Mounjaro, also known as tirzepatide and made by Lilly through the NHS over the next three years. The drug is an antidiabetic medication that lowers blood sugar levels and slows down the rate of food digestion. From Monday, GPs in England will be allowed to prescribe Mounjaro to severely obese people who also suffer from a range of other health problems. Patients previously needed to access the drugs through a special weight loss service. But leading family doctors said some GPs have expressed concern about the additional workload linked to the rollout. And pharmacy experts also said there could be pressure on supplies of the drug. In the first year of the programme, the drug will be offered to people with a body mass index (BMI) score of over 40 who have at least four other health problems linked to obesity, such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, and obstructive sleep apnoea. Estimates suggest around 1.5 million people in the UK are already taking weight loss drugs, which may have been prescribed through specialist weight loss services or via private prescription. Dr Claire Fuller, from NHS England, said: 'This is an important next step in the rollout of weight loss drugs, with community-based services now able to offer this treatment from today. 'We urgently need to address rising levels of obesity and prioritise support for those who are experiencing severe ill health – and greater access to weight loss drugs will make a significant difference to the lives of those people. 'These drugs are an important tool alongside the range of wraparound NHS support and advice on good nutrition and increasing physical activity, which will be vital in helping some people lose weight and reduce their risk of serious long-term conditions. 'While not everyone will be eligible for weight loss drugs, it's important that anyone who is worried about the impact of their weight on their health discusses the range of NHS support available with their healthcare professional.' Professor Kamila Hawthorne, chairwoman of the Royal College of GPs, said: 'While we recognise the potential benefits of weight loss drugs, we know many GPs are concerned about the implications of the rollout of weight loss drugs into general practice, both in terms of workload and training to appropriately initiate and manage these treatments. 'The college shares these concerns, which is why we were pleased NHS England suggested a phased roll-out of Mounjaro as a treatment for weight loss. As and when this is escalated, appropriate resourcing for general practice – including access to 'wraparound' services – and training for GPs must follow. She added: 'GPs and our teams are already working under intense workload and workforce pressures, and this must be factored into this rollout in order to guarantee it can be delivered safely. 'More widely, whilst weight loss medications have a lot of potential benefits for patients who are struggling to lose weight and who meet all the clinical criteria for a prescription, they mustn't be seen as a 'silver bullet' to aid weight loss. 'We also need to see a focus on prevention, stopping people becoming overweight in the first place so they don't require a medical intervention later.' Dr Hawthorne said there is no 'one size fits all approach' and that the rollout of the jabs should not 'come at the expense of other weight loss service'. She continued: 'The roll-out of weight loss medications in the NHS will need to be consistently evaluated to ensure that there is evidence that these prescriptions are of long-term benefit to patients.' Olivier Picard, chairman of the National Pharmacy Association, said: 'The demand for weight loss jabs continues to rise sharply, and more GPs have been directing patients back to pharmacies after initial inquiries, to access these treatments privately. 'As the NHS is now moving to implement National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (Nice) guidance, and tirzepatide becomes prescribable to more patients, we expect to see prescription volumes increase rapidly. 'However, NHS provision won't meet demand straight away, so we fully expect that many people will continue seeking it privately from a pharmacy. 'Pharmacists are experts in medication and many of us have lots of experience delivering weight loss injections as part of a package of care including lifestyle advice. 'We are well placed to help roll out weight loss treatment on the NHS, with the right funding to support it. 'The biggest concern we have is that prescribing these medications alone misses the point. 'They should be part of a comprehensive weight management strategy – combining lifestyle coaching, exercise, and nutritional guidance. In reality, many GPs lack the bandwidth to deliver the level of support needed to ensure proper understanding and follow-up. 'As a result, we could end up in a situation where patients are prescribed the medication, lose weight, and then experience rebound weight gain once the course ends – simply because the foundational lifestyle changes weren't addressed.' But critics have claimed millions of people eligible for the treatment under the NHS criteria will miss out. Around 29% of the adult population in the UK is obese but less than 1% will get access to the drug in the initial phase. CEO of private health provider CheqUp, Toby Nicol, said: 'Obesity sits at the very heart of so many of our health and societal problems that the government should make it a priority to eradicate obesity and, for the first time, medications are available to make that happen. "The NHS should be providing this medication to as many people as is needed.' Health Secretary Wes Streeting said: 'Obesity is now one of the leading causes of ill health, costing the NHS billions. Yet we now have the science, technology, and knowledge to end the obesity epidemic, if we seize this opportunity. 'Obesity jabs are used by 1.5 million people in the UK, mainly through private prescriptions. The NHS was founded on a promise to 'universalise the best', and this Government is determined to bring revolutionary modern treatments to everyone who needs them, not just those who can afford to pay. 'This rollout is an important step in making these medicines more widely available, and beginning to shift the focus of healthcare from sickness to prevention, which our forthcoming 10-year plan will deliver.'
STV News
16 minutes ago
- STV News
Former Sky News host Dermot Murnaghan diagnosed with stage four prostate cancer
Former Sky News presenter Dermot Murnaghan has announced his diagnosis with stage four prostate cancer. The broadcaster, 67, who spent more than 15 years at the news channel before his departure in 2023, said he is 'responding positively' to treatment in a post to X on Monday. 'Some personal news… I've been diagnosed with Stage IV advanced prostate cancer', he said. 'I'm fortunate to have a simply outstanding medical team looking after me, who I can't thank enough – they are administering the best possible care with expertise, compassion and sensitivity. 'I'm responding positively to their excellent treatment, and feeling well.' Stage four prostate cancer can mean that the cancer has spread into different parts of the body including nearby body organs, such as the back passage or bladder, nearby lymph nodes and other parts of the body outside the pelvis, such as the bones, lungs or liver, according to the Cancer Research UK website. 'I'm blessed to be fortified by the monumental love and support of my wife, family and close friends', Murnaghan said. 'Needless to say my message to all men over 50, in high risk groups, or displaying symptoms, is get yourself tested and campaign for routine prostate screening by the NHS.' He also said that he is aiming to take part in Sir Chris Hoy's fundraising charity bike ride in September which will raise awareness and funds for cancer charities across the UK. The Olympian announced he had a terminal diagnosis for prostate cancer in October 2024. The Tour de 4 ride, which will begin and end at the Sir Chris Hoy velodrome in Glasgow on September 7, aims to change the perception of people living with stage four cancer. NHS guidance says men over the age of 50 are at highest risk of developing prostate cancer, but Sir Chris wants to help men get screened earlier. About one in eight men will get prostate cancer in their lifetime, according to the charity Prostate Cancer UK, and the disease often has no symptoms in its earlier stages. PA Media Dermot Murnaghan and Alastair Stewart (Gareth Fuller/PA). Murnaghan presents true crime documentary series Killer Britain and the podcast Legends Of News. Before joining Sky News, Murnaghan presented ITV's News At Ten and the BBC Ten O'Clock News – now known as BBC News At Ten – as well as Channel 4 News. Murnaghan also hosted the BBC's quiz programme Eggheads and presented Sky News At Ten and talk show Murnaghan before his last role at the channel as a newsreader on Sky News Tonight. During his time, he covered big events such as the announcement of the death of Queen Elizabeth II, the 2019 general election, the funeral of Prince Philip and the 2020 US presidential election. Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
