New medicine to treat poor vision

24 October 2007

BRUSSELS – The most important cause of poor vision, age-related macular degeneration, will soon be reversible with the use of medication as the result of Belgian research.

The medicine, dubbed Lucentis, will help more than 275,000 people in Belgium suffering from poor vision and blindness to see again.

A series of injections to the eye can stabilise and improve the condition of those with poor vision.

The medicine is still very expensive at the moment, but starting next week the national health insurance will largely cover the costs. Patients will then be required to pay EUR 150 per injection.

Subject: Belgian news