Sleep mask for diabetic eye disease listed on NHS drug tariff

A sleep mask that treats diabetic eye disease every night while you sleep has been listed on the NHS Part IX Drug Tariff.

Noctura 400 can now be prescribed through the normal FP10 route for people with diabetic retinopathy and diabetic macular oedema by a GP, other primary care healthcare professionals and secondary care healthcare professionals.

This simple, proven and non-invasive home treatment for diabetic eye disease is far less costly and painful than reactive eye care, and by halting the progression of diabetic eye disease, the device has the potential to reduce footfall in secondary care facilities and ease the current burden on diabetic eye care services.

After using Noctura 400, one customer said: “I was advised that my eyesight had actually improved in both eyes and that I needed to reduce my prescription.”

Meanwhile, another stated: “I’m a gardener by profession, so the mask has meant that I can continue working in the job I love.

“My eyesight has improved over the four years I’ve been using the mask and there’s no need to have injections or lasers in the eyes now.”

Debbie Hicks, Chair of Trend Diabetes, has also benefited from Noctura 400. She said: “As soon as I was aware of the emerging research evidence for the Noctura 400 Sleep Mask I was determined to try it.

“Living with type 1 diabetes since 1973, I have had diabetic retinopathy on both eyes and had previous laser therapy.”

She added: “I was extremely interested in this non-invasive treatment as my eyesight is very precious to me and I wanted to protect them as much as I could.

“I started wearing the mask on a nightly basis in November 2023. Each mask lasts approximately three months.”

She concluded: “I did go through a period of instability with my retinopathy, but I am happy to say that I am back to annual retinal screening with stable retinas.”

Richard Kirk, CEO of PolyPhotonix Medical, the manufacturer of Noctura 400, said: “Every week we get patient feedback telling us how we have improved their lives, saved their jobs and in some cases saved their sight.

“It is such a privilege to be in this position, really making a difference. Following the NHS Drug Tariff listing, the treatment will become better understood.

“We are ready and able to make real tangible differences, improving many lives in the UK and abroad.”

Noctura 400 is a CE marked, MHRA registered medical device. It has been evaluated within the NHS and has proven safety and efficacy for the prevention and treatment of diabetic retinopathy and diabetic macular oedema in adults.

Low-level light is used to reduce the retina’s oxygen demand during sleep and prevent hypoxia. Noctura 400 is non-invasive, does not disturb sleep and can be used on its own or as an adjunct to current treatments.

For more information, visit https://noctura.com.