AN EDINBURGH man who spent “half his life in the dark” is now looking forward to celebrating Christmas with his family after being given the gift of sight after decades of vision loss.
David Watkins, 76, has seen a “miraculous difference” in his sight following a corneal transplant at the Princess Alexandra Eye Pavilion in the Scottish capital.
The retired college lecturer – who suffers from a degenerative condition called Fuchs dystrophy – is now set to enjoy being able to see his Christmas celebrations properly for the first time in years.
Speaking today, David explained: “I visited the optician around 20 years ago and they saw what looked like birthmarks all over my eyes.
“I was sent to a specialist and diagnosed with Fuchs dystrophy. It was slow progressing but three or four years later, I got to the stage where I had to sit in the dark and wear sunglasses all the time because my eyes were so sensitive to light.
“When I got up in the morning, it looked like I was looking through a steamed-up bathroom window. I found lights blinding and felt like I spent half my life in the dark.”
In August this year, David underwent a corneal transplant under local anaesthetic and, several weeks later, his eyesight is so vastly improved he no longer needs to wear dark glasses constantly.
He said: “It took six or eight weeks but one day I woke up and could see again – the difference was miraculous. I can now appreciate being able to see colours again and even dust floating in the air.
“My wife loves red kites and I couldn’t see them with her but now I get out walking every day and can enjoy seeing the birds.
“The impact on my life is incalculable, made possible by the generosity of an organ donor and I am and will remain eternally grateful.”
David is now on the list for a second corneal transplant for his other eye.
Dr Naing Latt Tint, consultant ophthalmic surgeon at NHS Lothian, said: “It’s fantastic to see how the corneal transplant has dramatically improved David’s quality of life.
“His journey is testament to the transformative impact that organ and tissue donation can have.
“It takes a dedicated team working together to make each transplant operation happen but, above all, it’s the selflessness of donors and their families that makes it all possible.
“Donating a cornea is a truly life-changing gift and can help those affected by failing eyesight continue to live independent and fulfilling lives.”
Earlier in December, the Scottish Government announced annual funding for extra specialist staff to support eyesight-saving cornea transplants and help to increase donation rates.
The cornea, the clear outer layer at the front of the eye, can be retrieved within 24 hours of death in hospital or hospice and preserved ahead of transplant but, unlike other tissue transplants, does not need to be a “match” and can come from a donor of any age.
