Elderly Australians rejoice as this new drug reverses devastating eye condition
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As we age, our bodies face many health challenges, and vision loss is one of the most feared.
It's a condition that can rob us of our independence, our ability to enjoy the world's beauty, and even perform simple daily tasks.
But there may be hope on the horizon for elderly Australians affected by a serious eye condition.
A new drug, Vabysmo, has been listed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS).
It offers not only a reduction in treatment costs but also the potential to significantly improve sight for those affected.
Retinal vein occlusion (RVO) is an eye condition that can't be cured and is characterised by a blockage in the retinal vein.
This blockage leads to fluid buildup in the eye, causing vision loss, blurriness, and colour distortion.
It predominantly affects individuals over the age of 60, and with an aging population, the number of Australians impacted by RVO is expected to rise from the current estimate of 20,000.
The introduction of Vabysmo to PBS is a game-changer for patients like Sushil Pillai, a 60-year-old from Sydney's Inner West, who has been receiving eye injections for three years to regain his vision.
'I was very, very apprehensive when they told me they were going to put an injection in my eye,' he recalled.
'The vision in my right eye was blurry; I couldn't focus on things.'
For patients like Sushil, the prospect of improved vision is life-changing, as RVO can severely impact one's ability to read, drive, and engage in everyday activities.
Vabysmo is the first injectable eye treatment that actively works to stop the blockage causing RVO.
Until recently, it was only available through clinical trials, but with the federal government's decision to subsidise the drug, it's now within reach for many more Australians.
The cost has been dramatically reduced from $934 per course to $7.70 for pensioners and concession card holders and $31.60 for other patients.
Health Minister Mark Butler has highlighted the drug's efficacy, stating that it is 'not only highly effective, more effective than some of the others on the market right now,' but it also offers the possibility of longer intervals between injections.
This means fewer trips to the doctor and less discomfort for patients. Ophthalmologist Dr Hemal Mehta echoes this sentiment, calling it 'a major step forward compared to treatments we've had previously.'
The impact of this new treatment on the quality of life for elderly Australians cannot be overstated.
The ability to see clearly is a gift that many of us take for granted until it's threatened.
With Vabysmo now accessible through PBS, it's a gift that many more will be able to enjoy.
We at the Seniors Discount Club celebrate this medical advancement and encourage our readers who may be suffering from RVO or know someone who is to consult with their ophthalmologist about the possibility of using Vabysmo.
It's important to stay informed about the latest health options available, and we're here to share these developments with you.
Credit: YouTube
Have you or a loved one been affected by vision loss or RVO? What has your experience been with treatments? Share your stories in the comments below
It's a condition that can rob us of our independence, our ability to enjoy the world's beauty, and even perform simple daily tasks.
But there may be hope on the horizon for elderly Australians affected by a serious eye condition.
A new drug, Vabysmo, has been listed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS).
It offers not only a reduction in treatment costs but also the potential to significantly improve sight for those affected.
Vabysmo is now subsidised under the PBS to treat vision loss in elderly Australians. Credit: Facebook
Retinal vein occlusion (RVO) is an eye condition that can't be cured and is characterised by a blockage in the retinal vein.
This blockage leads to fluid buildup in the eye, causing vision loss, blurriness, and colour distortion.
It predominantly affects individuals over the age of 60, and with an aging population, the number of Australians impacted by RVO is expected to rise from the current estimate of 20,000.
The introduction of Vabysmo to PBS is a game-changer for patients like Sushil Pillai, a 60-year-old from Sydney's Inner West, who has been receiving eye injections for three years to regain his vision.
'I was very, very apprehensive when they told me they were going to put an injection in my eye,' he recalled.
'The vision in my right eye was blurry; I couldn't focus on things.'
For patients like Sushil, the prospect of improved vision is life-changing, as RVO can severely impact one's ability to read, drive, and engage in everyday activities.
Vabysmo is the first injectable eye treatment that actively works to stop the blockage causing RVO.
Until recently, it was only available through clinical trials, but with the federal government's decision to subsidise the drug, it's now within reach for many more Australians.
The cost has been dramatically reduced from $934 per course to $7.70 for pensioners and concession card holders and $31.60 for other patients.
Health Minister Mark Butler has highlighted the drug's efficacy, stating that it is 'not only highly effective, more effective than some of the others on the market right now,' but it also offers the possibility of longer intervals between injections.
This means fewer trips to the doctor and less discomfort for patients. Ophthalmologist Dr Hemal Mehta echoes this sentiment, calling it 'a major step forward compared to treatments we've had previously.'
The impact of this new treatment on the quality of life for elderly Australians cannot be overstated.
The ability to see clearly is a gift that many of us take for granted until it's threatened.
With Vabysmo now accessible through PBS, it's a gift that many more will be able to enjoy.
We at the Seniors Discount Club celebrate this medical advancement and encourage our readers who may be suffering from RVO or know someone who is to consult with their ophthalmologist about the possibility of using Vabysmo.
It's important to stay informed about the latest health options available, and we're here to share these developments with you.
Credit: YouTube
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