A new 20-minute, non-invasive radiation procedure for wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD) called IRay will be trialled at a number of sites in the UK.
The instrument delivers precise low-energy radiation to the eye structures affected by wet AMD and according to researchers preliminary evidence suggests that this can close the blood vessels that cause loss of vision.
If proved to be a success, wet AMD patients could avoid having to rely on treatment with eye injections.
Developed by US-based company Oraya Therapeutics, IRay uses low-voltage radiation and treatment occurs in a clinic, avoiding the need for surgery. The patients sits at the instrument and a robot tracks eye movement and maintains stability, so that the controlled dose of radiation can be precisely delivered. According to King's College Hospital, the radiation dose to other areas of the body is low and is similar to a dental X-ray.
Consultant ophthalmic surgeon Tim Jackson, who leads the trial at King's College Hospital in London, said: 'If the initial results are borne out in these important larger studies then a majority of patients will have something to look forward to - an easily administered, one-off treatment that maintains or improves vision, and fewer injections into their eye.'
Anybody wishing to be considered for the trials should visit www.intrepidstudy.info