A new surgical innovation employs platinum coils to combat a debilitating condition that threatens the sight of sufferers.

Build up of pressure on the veins leading to the eye puts people at risk of a stroke. Although doctors have been able to address the risk of seizure through surgery, up until now they have been able to do little to alleviate the effects on patients' eyesight.

But an operation at the Royal Melbourne Hospital in Australia has offered hope to sufferers, and identifies a new use for the versatile metal platinum.

Mrs Hieu Thi Dang, 36, would have lost her sight gradually over a few years if the hospital's Head of Interventional Neuroradiology had not utilised a new technique that involves inserting a needle under the eye and depositing small coils to block the flow of blood.

Dr Peter Mitchell said 'the operation was hazardous and largely untested, involving very precise and delicate microsurgery to avoid important nerves and the eye itself'.

A needle was inserted through the eye socket, into the blood pool behind the eye. A small tube was then used to implant small platinum coils, which encourage blood to clot.

One technique used previously was to insert a needle in the groin, through the heart and up to the eye. Although this latest treatment is still risky, (which is why only premium materials, such as platinum, are used), Mrs Dang's treatment provides hope to others who are losing their sight as a result of the condition.