Eyesight 'improves' after trial

Nick Thomas says he is pleased with how his treatment is going

A 27-year-old man who travelled to the United States for experimental treatment to try to save his eyesight says it has improved.

Nick Thomas from Gwynedd discovered the treatment while chatting to fellow sufferers of Stargaardts macular dystrophy on the internet.

He says the clinic has warned him not to expect further improvement but told him his condition will not worsen.

UK eye experts warned him to be careful before taking part in the trial.

The treatment uses a drug normally used to treat glaucoma sufferers, and the treatment involves eyedrops and regular check-ups in Connecticut.

It's better than I could ever have hoped Nick Thomas

"I've been over twice now and I'm over the moon with how things are going," said Mr Thomas, a sports scientist.

"The change is just fantastic, I can see colours better and everything is much clearer.

"It's put my eyes back to what they were three years ago - it's better than I could ever have hoped," said Mr Thomas, who has the backing of his fiance Marie.

"I am so happy that things are not going to get worse for me," he said.

Side effects

"In fact it's taken a while for me to get used to being able to see so much again, especially since the weather has been nice. It's just so bright it's been difficult for me to go outside as I've struggled with the brightness," he added.

Echothiophate - the drug being used in the American trial - was originally developed for glaucoma patients.

It is undergoing a year-long trial of its suitability for use in the US for people with Stargaardts.

Mr Thomas will have to visit the clinic for check-ups at least six more times, although the gap between visits will be extended as the treatment continues.

"I will have to use the drops for the rest of my life but because they were already in use for other conditions any side effects are known and luckily I haven't been affected," he added.

Fund-raisers in Wales have raised £4,000 to help pay for his travel expenses.