Almost blind for 10 years, 19-yr-old gets her sight back

ras al khaimah — After 10 years of not being able to see with her right eye, a 19-year-old Mauritanian woman got her sight back as she underwent a critical surgery.

The young woman, identified as FM, suffered a serious eye injury when she was a child, leaving her with a vision of just 10 per cent, said Dr Archana Sood, senior specialist and head of the ophthalmology department at Eye Care Centre, RAK Hospital.

“An examination revealed that the patient was suffering from a scarred retina, an extremely irregular cornea and almost complete absence of iris. The condition was further complicated by traumatic cataract and glaucoma.”

She was also suspected to be suffering from lazy eye, given the long duration of visual deprivation, and had developed high eye pressure for which she had been using drops regularly, Dr Sood said.

“Unfortunately, because her case was of high risk, she couldn’t find a surgeon who could provide her permanent relief and eventually restore her vision.”

Dr Sood, who operated on the patient, used the latest technologies — micro-incision phacoemulsification and implantation of special premium toric foldable lens — to address FM’s condition.

“The small incision ensures quick recovery and long-term stability,” she said. Despite several risk factors involved, the 40-minute surgery went well and FM regained around 40 per cent of her vision within three weeks.

“From now on, she will only need to use the anti-glaucoma drops to keep her eye pressure under control and get a biannual pressure check to ensure that it remains within the normal range,” Dr Sood said.

“Because her pupil was larger than normal, and there was an absence of iris, we were worried that the patient could potentially suffer from light sensitivity after the operation. However, her lazy eye became a blessing in disguise, and excess light entering the eye was not problematic. Thanks to that, she would never need to wear dark glasses or cosmetic lenses for protection.”

Blurry vision should always be taken seriously as it could be a sign of a far serious issue, she said.

“This includes traumatic eye injury with cataract or glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, inflamed optic nerve, retinal swelling, conical cornea, and stroke, among others.”

Satisfied with the outcome of the surgery, FM and her husband thanked the RAK Hospital’s staff and experts.

“Thankfully, I can properly see now after that long time of blurred vision,” she said.

Blurry vision should always be taken seriously as it could be a sign of a more serious issue.”

Dr Archana Sood, head of ophthalmology department, RAK Hospital

Thankfully, I can properly see now after that long time of blurred vision.”

FM, Mauritanian patient