Question:
I came across your contact
through the Internet, and would want to request for
any relevant information regarding the latest
developments in the field of eye transplanting.
I had sustained a left eye injury
when I was 9 yrs old that led to the impairment of
vision in my left eye. At that age, I underwent 3
successive operations in a bid to avoid my iris from
shrinking and to arrest any possible infection. The
eye specialists, at that time, had suggested that
despite the impairment in vision (mainly due to
retinal fluid drain during injury), my left eye was
stable after the operations, though there was no
substantial development in eye transplant field that
would have effectively addressed my situation.
However, they hoped that the fate of my left eye
could be solved by future technology advancements
(my cornea had not been damaged, thus a full eye
transplant, in their opinion was risky and to an
extent, inapplicable) and any natural tendency of
regaining the lost retinal fluid (known to be the
prime cause of vision impairment). Any major
operation could only be carried out after I reached
18 yrs of age.
I am now 28 yrs age, and there's
been no improvement in my left eye (though it's
stable). I feel I've got to know if there are any
technological advancement that could rectify my eye
problem. I would therefore appreciate any relevant
materials/links/solutions regarding the above issue
so that I could make a decision regarding the future
course of action.
Answer:
I am so sorry about your eye
injury. I read all of your records and I am glad
they saved your eye. The records indicate that the
insides of your eye were severely damaged. The
damage may be beyond repair.
We can restore sight so much more
now but permanent damage may be "permanent". Even
our newest lasers may be too little , too late.
The eye is like a camera, and if
the front, middle lens, or film inside is damaged,
the camera cannot take a good picture anymore.
If the front is damaged (cornea scar) then a corneal
transplant could be an option.
Corneal Diseases
If the retina is damaged, then
repair of the retina may be an option.
Macular Degeneration.
If everything is damaged, then
every surgery may have limited success.
A new/updated eye exam in the big
city/ medical center will answer these
questions.
To read more, try this web
site...Dr. Deupree is terrific.
www.maculacenter.com
