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New Mum Sees Son's Face After Blindness
18 Apr
Summary
- New mother regained vision after suffering sudden blindness post-childbirth.
- Antibodies attacking optic nerve coating caused the vision loss.
- Pioneering plasma exchange treatment restored much of her sight.
Jessica Kent-Hazledine, a new mother from Cornwall, experienced a terrifying loss of vision in both eyes just weeks after welcoming her first child. Initially attributing the blurry vision to exhaustion, her condition rapidly worsened, prompting urgent medical investigation.
Doctors discovered that antibodies in Jessica's bloodstream were attacking the protective coating of her optic nerves. Facing the prospect of permanent blindness, she underwent a novel plasma exchange treatment at Royal Cornwall Hospital. This procedure involved replacing her plasma with donor plasma.
Following five plasma exchange sessions, Jessica experienced a remarkable recovery. She now sees clearly with her right eye and has regained substantial vision in her left, enabling her to care for her son independently. This groundbreaking treatment, facilitated by NHS Blood and Transplant, underscores the vital importance of blood and plasma donations.
