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LASER SURGERY TURNED ME NEARLY BLIND FOR 3 YEARS

A BOTCHED-UP SURGERY LEFT SAMEER JAVERI NEARLY BLIND FOR ALMOST THREE YEARS UNTIL A CORNEAL TRANSPLANT RESTORED HIS EYESIGHT. HE RECOUNTS HIS JOURNEY TO HELL AND BACK

Perhaps all those ads promising crystal clear vision and easy procedures influenced me. In 1999, I decide to try laser surgery to get rid of my thick glasses. It seemed a simple operation the entire procedure was over in 20 minutes . Initially, everything was fine, but gradually, my vision started getting bleak and my number kept on increasing. I had to wear lenses.

A DARK WORLD

One day in 2006, I woke up to a dark world; I couldnt see a thing. An ophthalmologist told me that my cornea had probably ruptured. We flew to Chennai to consult experts at Sankara Netralaya where doctors said my cornea was damaged beyond repair . If not operated, I would lose my vision forever. The only solution: corneal transplant.
My world changed in 30 minutes Id assumed I would get alright after medication, but here I was in danger of losing my eyesight forever!
The surgery could be done only after the infection in the eye subsided, for which I was given some drops. Finally , after three months, my eyes were ready for a new cornea. For a successful operation, a healthy cornea that matched my age, tissues etc had to be found. So while I was anxious about getting my sight back, I also felt guilty. Here I was waiting for someone young to die to restore my vision! Eventually, the much-awaited call came and we went to Chennai for the surgery on my right eye. (Only one eye could be operated at a time ).

LIFESTYLE CHANGE

The most crucial period came after we returned home. There were four drops to be put in the operated eye and two in the other six times a day a procedure that took almost three hours a day. It was extremely painful as the wounds were raw.
Our lives turned upside down during the 40-day post-operative care period . My mother who ran a business from home had to shut shop to take care of my needs the whole day.
I was almost quarantined in a dark room as I couldnt stand light. Even a speck of dust could cause havoc hence the room had to be sanitised and the bed-linen changed everyday. Naturally I couldnt go to work or attend to my jewellery business. I needed assistance at every step be it going to another room, or even walking a small distance. I couldnt take a head bath or wash my face, and finally I had to shave off my head. Even then there was no guarantee of sight being restored as the body had to accept the new cornea!

BEING STRONG

The darkness was both, external and internal as I was almost leading a vegetable existence. My social life had come to a standstill primarily because I couldnt interact with people due to fear of infection. I simply passed time listening to music, or news on TV. I also used to listen to a lot of Osho discourses.
The emotional pain was worse. But I decided not to indulge in self-pity , and face the problem with courage and confidence. I took the entire blindness in my stride; there was no option, was there
But I discovered my inner strength. Those discourses and my own introspection taught me that every action of ours has a reaction hence one should never hurt anybody intentionally . I became more spiritual and tried to become a better and stronger person. All along, my parents were a pillar of strength.
Perhaps thats the reason I never asked what went wrong with my initial laser surgery too. My only priority was to get my eyesight back and I consciously focused on that alone. The entire experience helped me come closer to myself.

LET THERE BE LIGHT

After a year of this surgery, they found a cornea for my other eye too. The same procedure and post-operative care followed. After the mandatory period, I was prescribed glasses. All this while my vision kept fluctuating . Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, last year, proper vision was restored in both my eyes. Of course, it was like taking baby steps towards normalcy, but day by day, things improved.
I still remember the first thing I saw after getting my vision back the doctors nameplate in her room! Imagine my ecstasy on seeing light after three years of darkness!
Of course, it wouldnt have been possible without the expertise of Dr Prema Padmanabhan and Surekhaben Mehta of the Sankara Netralaya hospital they restored my lost faith and hope.

SEEK SMALL JOYS

Now I lead a completely normal life though I take care to avoid dusty places and go for regular check-ups . The entire episode has changed me; I have learnt not to postpone happiness for life is so unpredictable!
Moreover, I have learnt to relish the small joys of life going to a restaurant, travelling alone, walking freely, taking a bath!
Most importantly, I have come to value organ donation as the ultimate noble act. I got a new lease of life only because two young people donated their corneas. I strongly believe that we must all donate our organs after death. Just remember, you are giving a life and hope to someone who needs it desperately.

AS TOLD TO LEKHA MENON