A team at Yeovil Hospital has contributed to a major national study into a sight-threatening eye condition.
Ophthalmologists and researchers at the hospital, part of Somerset NHS Foundation Trust, supported the Eye Neon study, which aims to improve understanding of wet age-related macular degeneration (Wet AMD) and its progression.
The study, led by Dr Sobha Sivaprasad from Moorfields Eye Hospital, focused on the likelihood of Wet AMD developing in both eyes.
Paritosh Shah, consultant ophthalmologist at Yeovil Hospital, said: "In our eye clinics, we frequently encounter patients with Wet AMD, a condition that can severely impact vision if left untreated.
"It is usually treated with courses of eye injections.
"We know that a significant number of patients with Wet AMD in one eye will also develop it in their other eye, but the exact proportion remains unknown.
"This study aimed to gather more information to potentially predict factors which increase the risk of developing the condition in the other eye.
"This predictive capability could allow us to advise patients on managing the condition earlier and manage our NHS resources better."
Mr Shah said the findings could help identify which patients are most at risk.
He said: "We anticipate gaining a clearer understanding of the patient profile of whom are more susceptible to developing Wet AMD in their second eye.
"The data may also give information on the time it takes for the condition to develop in the initially unaffected eye."
While there is currently no cure for Wet AMD, Mr Shah said early intervention could be beneficial.
He said: "Our belief is that being forewarned is being forearmed.
"Identifying a particular patient profile could empower individuals to make positive lifestyle adjustments and become more proactive in their healthcare.
"Our hope is that this research will better prepare patients for the potential of facing this condition in the future.
"It might even reveal areas where preventative measures or early treatment could reduce the risk in the other eye."
Mr Shah praised the dedication of the Yeovil team in supporting the study.
He said: "Colleagues in our ophthalmology team at Yeovil Hospital truly stepped up for this study, undergoing training to perform the necessary scans.
"A real highlight was exceeding our recruitment target, which is remarkable for a team of our size.
"This is a testament to the dedication of all the colleagues involved – our eye clinic nursing team and doctors, research team, and of course, all the patients who agreed to take part.
"All data was anonymised before being sent to the research team at Moorfields."
Yeovil Hospital was one of 28 study sites nationwide.
Results from the study are expected in 2026.
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