Eye drug Lucentis has been accepted by the Scottish Medicines Consortium (SMC) as a treatment option for people with visual impairment due to macular oedema as a result of branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO).
The condition affects 2,400 people each year in Scotland, according to a statement by manufacturer Novartis.
Dr Peter Cackett, consultant ophthalmologist at the Princess Alexandra Eye Pavilion, Edinburgh, said: 'Retinal vein occlusion can have a significant impact on a person's quality of life and independence as it affects the ability to carry out some of the everyday tasks which many of us take for granted.
'In Scotland we have been able to treat people with central retinal vein occlusion for some time with ranibizumab, but until now those with BRVO were still unable to access this important treatment, which can lead to rapid and significant gains in vision.'
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