Blind mother's eyesight restored after cutting-edge eye procedure

A 47-year-old British mother who lost vision from hypotony regained sight after treatment with an injected water-based gel (hydroxypropyl methylcellulose) at Moorfields Eye Hospital, and seven of eight patients treated there responded positively.

A woman in England who lost her sight because of a rare condition called hypotony has reported restored vision following an innovative procedure. The patient, identified as Nicki Guy, was diagnosed in 2017 and experienced worsening vision after standard treatment with silicone oil did not succeed. Her doctor at Moorfields Eye Hospital offered a newer approach involving an injection of a water-based gel into the eye to restore pressure and retinal function. The hospital reported successful visual improvement for the patient after the treatment. Key details: - Patient: Nicki Guy, 47, was diagnosed with hypotony in 2017 and later lost vision in one eye after conventional treatment failed. - Procedure: A water-based gel, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC), was injected into the vitreous chamber to restore intraocular pressure and allow the retina to detect light. - Outcome: The patient reported substantial improvement in vision and can read most letters on an eye chart, and she described being able to see her child grow. - Clinic: Moorfields Eye Hospital in London carried out the treatment and is reported as the first clinic dedicated to treating this disorder. - Early results: The hospital treated eight patients with the same approach and seven were reported to have responded positively. Summary: The reported outcome restored functional vision for the patient and had a meaningful personal impact. Broader medical follow-up or wider availability of the procedure is undetermined at this time.