The Miracle in Michael's life

"From total blindness to functional vision is like being reborn. I can move about on my own accord now. It's a miracle! It just can't be described in words."

Michael Jent’s words exude the excitement that may not be visible on his face. In the last difficult nine years, he underwent a couple of corneal transplants and a stem cell procedure that involved transplanting stem cells directly onto the cornea. And, finally, this remarkable improvement in his vision after surgery in his right eye has made a tremendous difference to his self-confidence.

It all began nine years ago when Michael’s eyes were severely damaged in a chemical accident at work, when he was transferring sulphur hydroxide from one tank to another in a laundry and drycleaning unit in the US. His left eye was injured irreparably and his right eye was badly burnt. The first corneal transplant could be performed only 2 months after the accident. Since then, he has undergone several vision restoration surgeries.

On his way to India for the first time, he suddenly noticed on the flight that his eye was tender and some fluid was oozing out. His worst nightmare was confirmed when his wife’s brother, an ophthalmologist, found a large perforation in his corneal graft. He immediately referred Michael to L V Prasad Eye Institute (LVPEI) for an emergency transplant.

After meeting the doctors at LVPEI, Michael has regained hope. He is very impressed by the care and attention paid to every detail of his treatment. “This facility is very special. The experience here was magnificent — second to none. The staff was extraordinary and very caring and my doctors, Dr Somasheila Murthy and Dr Prashant Garg, are skilled and compassionate surgeons. I recommend others to come here for treatment,” says Michael who plans to return next year for the treatment of his left eye.

Michael’s Indian connection has only deepened with his association with LVPEI. His wife Lydia is Indian, belonging to the state of Andhra Pradesh. She joins Michael in expressing her gratitude, “We just want to thank you all. The accident was unfortunate but I think of it as a blessing in disguise. We would not have come to this place otherwise.”