I’ve been diabetic for 47 years and ever since my initial diagnosis, in my 20s, my biggest fear was that my eyesight would deteriorate and I would go blind. This fear played on my mind every day.

I was under the care of my local NHS hospital for diabetic retinopathy and was initially offered either laser treatment or injections into the eye as a way to control my symptoms. It’s fair to say neither of these options appealed to me – I mean who wants to have injections into their eyes!

After an initial course of treatment, my consultant at the hospital mentioned the Noctura 400 sleep mask and asked whether I would be interested in trying it. I jumped at the chance as it was non-invasive – so no more painful procedures!

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. I would say the sleep mask has given me my old life back.

My advice to other diabetic retinopathy patients is to ask about the Noctura 400 sleep mask and see for themselves the difference it can make to their quality of life.