Easter eyesight gift something to look forward to
15/04/2006

Groundbreaking new Melbourne research could save the eyesight of the thousands of Australians Health Minister Bronwyn Pike announced today.

Ms Pike said the Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital had attracted German doctor Christine Wittig to Melbourne to test and trial a revolutionary treatment for the degenerative eye disease kerataconus.

“Kerataconus is a debilitating eye condition affecting about 40,000 Australians. Until now, the only way to overcome it was through a corneal transplant,” she said.

“This new research trial involves applying Riboflavin (Vitamin B2) onto the eye and exposing the eye to a measured dose of UVA light to strengthen the cornea and stop it from bulging out of shape.

“Doctor Wittig and her Eye & Ear Hospital colleagues are confident that this technique could be performed in a clinical setting as early as Easter next year, giving patients a quicker, less costly treatment option for their eyesight with fewer side effects.

Ms Pike said that while transplants were highly successful, they might be rejected by the body, need constant eye-care and face possible wear-out, meaning another transplant.

“Dr Wittig’s revolutionary treatment could save patients significant time, money and further eyesight problems,” she said.

“This new technique will also take pressure off the hospital’s corneal bank and allow donated corneas to be used for treating other conditions or eye injuries.

Dr Wittig is conducting the trial at RVEEH over the next year, in part thanks to a $15,000 sponsorship from the hospital.

Please note that recruitment for the trial is still underway. If you are interested in participating in the trial, please email info@eyeandear.org.au and this will be followed up with a call to assess your eligibility to participate in the trial.

Interstate participants will be expected to travel to Melbourne on at least five occasions within the first 12 months.

Please also note that this treatment is most effective in the early stages as it does not restore sight, it only prevents further sight loss. The only treatment available for advanced keratoconus is still a corneal transplant.

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