July 6, 2016 8.50 am This story is over 91 months old

Lincoln patient’s sight restored after pioneering treatment brought to county

For the first time, Lincolnshire’s hospitals are offering innovative new treatment to improve the sight of people with damaged eyes. The first corneal endothelial transplant in the county this year was performed on 52-year-old Janet Brumpton from Market Rasen. This involved the damaged inner layer of her cornea being replaced, and within one week her vision…

For the first time, Lincolnshire’s hospitals are offering innovative new treatment to improve the sight of people with damaged eyes.

The first corneal endothelial transplant in the county this year was performed on 52-year-old Janet Brumpton from Market Rasen.

This involved the damaged inner layer of her cornea being replaced, and within one week her vision had drastically improved.

Previously patients had to travel to Nottingham to have this procedure at considerable cost to the trust, however the new service is hoping to treat between two and three patients a month from across the county.

Corneal endothelial transplantation involves no stitches as the corneal transplant is attached and held in place using an air bubble, which naturally attaches itself to the deep layer of the cornea a few days later.

Janet said: “I was diagnosed with corneal endothelial dystrophy in both eyes. I was virtually blind, I couldn’t see out of my right eye at all and my vision was very misty.

“I was referred to Lincoln County Hospital in October 2015 by my optician and was fortunate to have the first ever procedure in the county to replace my inner corneal layer under general anaesthetic.

“The operation was a fantastic success. My vision has improved 100%.

“I feel like I’ve got my life back and it’s allowed me to regain my independence again.”

Dr Mohammad I Khan, Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon for United Lincolnshire Hospitals NHS Trust, said: “I’m really pleased to be able to offer this treatment to our patients in Lincolnshire.

“These patients can now have this operation closer to home and are benefitting from the latest treatment and technology to help restore their sight.”