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A new state-of-the-art scanning device could boost
vision correction at Beccles Hospital in Lowestoft.
The new scanner, which was bought with the help of a former patient, who left the hospital £58,000, will be used in at Beccles's specialist eye clinic and will improve detection rates for conditions such as glaucoma.
According to the Lowestoft Journal, patients in the region who had been prescribed
vision correction treatment would have to travel to the James Paget University Hospital, which offers a range of
alternatives to laser eye surgery.
Speaking to the news provider, Tom Butler, one of two ophthalmology consultants who work shifts at Beccles Hospital, said: "The machine is always used to diagnose age related macular degeneration and it is used to monitor progress of that treatment.
"There's often monthly treatment, and then the follow up and review. Obviously it's of great benefit to have it here. It's made a significant improvement on patient travel."
Gordon Knights, chairman of the League of Friends, said: "Beccles is in the middle of quite a large catchment area. We see this as a good opportunity to really do a good service here. We're pleased to be able to help."
Early symptoms of age related macular degeneration, which include blurring and drastic decreases in visual acuity can often be mistaken for myopia or short-sightedness.
Vision correction techniques for myopia are entirely different, however. The condition can be treated with
corrective laser surgery, but there are
alternatives to laser eye surgery - including the prescription of Ortho K overnight contact lenses.
Used as a distinct
eye correction option in their own right, Ortho K corrective lenses are also used as a
cure for childhood myopia.
Worn overnight, the contact lenses gently reshape a wearer's eyes while they sleep, correcting their vision and doing away with the need to wear contact lenses or glasses during the day.
Eye Health: Find out if i-GO over night contact lenses will suit you.
By Oliver Edgar
