A WOMAN is seeing clearly for the first time in 35 years – after regaining sight in her right eye.
Lesley Nixon, 63, of Cleethorpes, said it was wonderful to have her confidence back and she is now revelling in the everyday things most people take for granted – such as reading a book or crossing the road.
Her vision first began to fail at the age of 28, while pregnant with her daughter.
Initially, she was assured it was nothing to worry about but, six months later, her pupil turned completely white and doctors informed her she had a dense cataract.
Even after having a procedure to remove the cataract in 1985, her sight was not fully restored and ever since she has been left unable to see anything more than shadowy shapes.
In June 2011, she was struck another blow, when a cataract began to form on her left eye, too.
However, at this point she did not realise a meeting with consultant ophthalmic surgeon Sid Goel at Grimsby's Diana, Princess Of Wales Hospital, would change her life.
After successfully restoring the vision in her left eye, he informed her he thought he could also bring the back the sight her right eye, too – despite years of being told there was nothing anyone could do.
She said: "I just thought, what have I got to lose? If I lose the sight entirely, I still have one good eye."
Six months later Mr Goel had a secondary lens implant, which restored her sight within hours.
He then recommended she had laser surgery to further improve her vision.
The charity worker said: "It's about the confidence it has given me back.
"I have gone back to work, I can now cross the road without having a little panic and having to turn my head to check if something is coming with my left eye.
"It's like I am wearing 3D glasses – it's been two dimensional for me for so long.
"He has changed my life without a doubt. He has given me my freedom.
"Every day is a wonder for me as I can see something I had missed before."
Mr Goel said: "Sight is such a wonderful sense to have and is important for many of our daily activities such as reading, driving, dressing and everyday tasks.
"I am so pleased that Mrs Nixon gave me and my team the opportunity to help improve her sight."
