In the UK, nearly all patients diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes and almost two thirds of patients with Type 2 diabetes have signs of damage to the back of the eye within 20 years of diagnosis. Now a new medication being trailed here in Liverpool that could prevent this.
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00:00 A grandad from Bootle has become the first person in the world to be given a new medication
00:06 that could prevent him from losing his eyesight.
00:09 Steve Gott, 63, a retired scientific officer, has lived with diabetes for over 30 years.
00:14 Whilst his condition is currently under control, Steve's explored the possible complications
00:19 that could occur in future, which includes the deterioration of his eyesight.
00:23 Steve said the prospect of going blind and not being able to see his grandchildren grow
00:28 up made him want to take part in the clinical trial.
00:31 Steve was the first of 24 people across the world to be given a tablet-based medication
00:36 to reduce the effects of diabetic maculothopy.
00:40 Diabetic maculothopy is caused by a build-up of excess fluid in the back of the eye, resulting
00:45 in blurred vision.
00:46 This condition leaves patients at risk of losing eyesight.
00:50 St Paul's Eye Research Centre, located at the Royal Hospital, has partnered with Bray
00:55 therapeutics to deliver the first dose of the treatment.