WHAT ARE THE RISKS?

THE contact lens used in the treatment can irritate the eye, lasting a couple of days.

THERE is a chance the abnormal blood vessels could grow back afterwards.

THE procedure might damage healthy blood vessels at the centre of the macula and affect vision.

‘THE current established treatments have limitations, such as the injections being costly and having to be repeated,’ says Vik Sharma, a consultant ophthalmic surgeon at the Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust.

‘To have an alternative that is effective and reduces the number of injections required is for the benefit of patients and improves outcomes. The trial of this treatment will allow doctors to evaluate its safety and efficacy.’