In a remarkable medical turnaround, a Yemeni woman who had been blind and hadn’t had her vision since the age of 10 has regained her sight after three decades, thanks to a groundbreaking diagnosis and advanced treatment at Moorfields Eye Hospital in Abu Dhabi.
A Life in Darkness
Hanaa Mahdi Saleh Ali, now 40, lost her vision at the age of 10. For years, she was told that her blindness was due to night blindness and severe cataracts. Despite her father’s efforts to seek help from numerous eye specialists worldwide, the underlying cause of her vision loss remained undiagnosed. She could only perceive blurred lights, making daily tasks challenging and isolating her from the world around her.
A Ray of Hope
In 2024, Hanaa’s sister, residing in the UAE, learned about the advanced treatment technologies at Moorfields Eye Hospital in Abu Dhabi. Encouraged by the possibility of restoring Hanaa’s vision, she urged her to seek treatment there. Upon arriving in Abu Dhabi, Hanaa consulted with Dr. Syed M. Asad Ali, a consultant ophthalmologist at the hospital.
After a thorough examination, Dr. Ali diagnosed Hanaa with gyrate atrophy, a rare genetic condition, along with advanced cataracts and cystoid macular edema. Gyrate atrophy leads to the progressive degeneration of the retina, causing vision loss. This diagnosis was a turning point, as it revealed the true cause of her blindness, which had been previously misidentified.
Complex Surgery and Restoration of Sight
In November 2024, Dr. Ali performed successful surgeries on both of Hanaa’s eyes, utilizing advanced ultrasonic techniques to remove the cataracts. The procedures were complex, requiring meticulous planning and execution. Despite the challenges, the surgeries were successful, and Hanaa’s vision was restored after 30 years of blindness.
A New Beginning
Since regaining her sight, Hanaa has expressed immense gratitude for the ability to see her family’s faces again. She describes the experience as a “magical journey with a fairytale ending,” emphasizing the profound impact of her restored vision on her life. “It has been 30 years since I last saw clearly. Although it has been a very long time, I still remember everything clearly: my family’s faces, the sky, the trees, and the sea,” Hanaa shared.
Ongoing Care and Support
Following the successful surgeries, Hanaa is continuing her aftercare in Yemen, with the medical team at Moorfields Eye Hospital maintaining contact to ensure her long-term well-being. Dr. Ali expressed pride in the success of the surgery, highlighting the transformative potential of advanced ophthalmological care. “This case underscores the importance of accurate diagnosis and the role of advanced treatments in restoring vision,” he remarked.
A Message of Hope
Hanaa’s journey serves as a beacon of hope for individuals facing similar challenges. Her story underscores the significance of seeking second opinions and the potential for medical advancements to change lives. “Belief is the key! And with all the medical advancements we now have, it is a blessing from Allah,” Hanaa advises others facing challenging medical conditions.
This case not only highlights the capabilities of Moorfields Eye Hospital in Abu Dhabi but also reinforces the UAE’s status as a global healthcare hub, offering advanced treatments and services that transform lives.
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