Jerusalem teacher’s vision improved from 10% to 90% after Hadassah surgery

A 38-year-old Jerusalem teacher named Aya has experienced a dramatic improvement in her vision, rising from approximately 10% to 90% after undergoing a specialized surgery at Hadassah Medical Center. The procedure aimed to treat her advanced case of keratoconus, a condition that causes the cornea to thin and bulge into a cone shape, severely distorting vision.

For years, Aya relied on specialized contact lenses to manage her condition, but her eyes eventually became intolerant, causing pain and forcing her to stop driving. Her work as a high school teacher also suffered, as she struggled with computer use and had to stand close to the board. She even required assistance navigating her surroundings at times.

Prof. David Smadja, director of the Refractive Surgery Unit at Hadassah, recommended a novel treatment called corneal allogeneic intrastromal ring segment implantation (CAIRS). This emerging procedure utilizes tissue from a donated human cornea to reshape and stabilize the patient's cornea. Surgeons used a femtosecond laser to create a channel within Aya's cornea and inserted the precisely shaped donor tissue segment.

Smadja, along with Dr. Itay Lavy, director of Hadassah’s Anterior Segment Surgery Unit, performed the surgery. Smadja noted that donor tissue may integrate more naturally than synthetic implants, potentially reducing complications. This procedure can also delay or prevent the need for a full corneal transplant in some patients.

Aya remained awake during the operation under local anesthesia and reported noticing an immediate improvement in her vision. Following a brief recovery period, she has successfully returned to teaching, computer work, and driving, marking a significant return to her normal life.

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I felt my vision improve even during the operation.