Dozens of residents suffering from a degenerative eye disease could finally be given a sight-saving drug after a lengthy fight with health authorities.

Ten of the borough’s residents with age-related macular degeneration (AMD) were refused treatment with the drug Lucentis in the past year while another 20 had cases pending.

AMD is the leading cause of sight loss in the country and Lucentis has proved successful in treating it.

But some primary care trusts (PCTs), including Barnet PCT, have been reluctant to administer the expensive drug.

New guidelines from the National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) mean that all patients suitable for the treatment should receive it.

Grandfather-of-six Peter Mulvie, 84, was refused the treatment and his eyesight has progressively worsened.

“I’m very pleased for all of us who suffer from this disease and that some of us are going to benefit,” he said.

“I’m hoping I will be offered the treatment so it can repair some of the damage done while I’ve been waiting for two-and-a-half years.

“The decision is all very well, but it very much depends on the reaction of Barnet PCT, and it hasn’t been very responsive in the past.”

Andrew Dillon, NICE chief executive, believes the cost of Lucentis needs to balanced against savings for the NHS in preventing people going blind.

He said: “AMD results in reduced quality of life and increased risks of illness, particularly in relation to accidents and psychological ill-health.

“Studies have also demonstrated that patients with visual impairment tend to have longer hospitalisations, make greater use of health and community care services and are more likely to be admitted to nursing homes.

“Our guidance means patients suitable for this treatment will have the same access to it, irrespective of where they live.”

A Barnet PCT spokesman said the trust was deciding what the new guidelines would mean, but Steve Winyard, head of campaigns at the Royal National Institute of Blind People, urged immediate action.

“NICE’s guidance will finally bring an end to a cruel postcode lottery,” he said. “There is now nowhere left for PCTs to hide — we want them to implement NICE guidance immediately.”