New mum from Cornwall regains sight after plasma donation
Plasma exchange helps 33-year-old dentist regain vision
A dentist from Cornwall who lost her sight following the birth of her first child has regained vision thanks to a plasma donation.
Jessica Kent-Hazledine, 33, initially attributed the loss in her left eye to tiredness but was left terrified when the vision in her right eye also deteriorated.
The new mother feared she would never be able to see her baby grow up, prompting an urgent consultation with medical professionals.
After attempted treatments provided no relief, Ms Kent-Hazledine underwent a plasma exchange conducted by a new service from NHS Blood and Transplant in the South West.
This procedure involves removing the patient’s plasma and replacing it with donor plasma, preventing antibodies from attacking the protective layer around nerve fibres in the eyes.
Jessica Kent-Hazledine can now see clearly through her right eye and enjoys 75% vision in her left after five exchanges.
“This felt like magic,” Ms Kent-Hazledine said.
“It’s been almost a year now and my sight is so much better. I still have some blurring in half of my left eye but I can look after my son and live an independent life, which I was worried I wouldn’t be able to.”
NHS Blood and Transplant’s therapeutic apheresis services are working with four hospitals in the region, allowing more patients to access the service close to home.
Ms Kent-Hazledine was the first person in Cornwall to benefit from this treatment.
“This vital service is giving patients access to timely, specialist care close to home,” Emma Warner, lead nurse at NHS Blood and Transplant’s TAS in Plymouth said.
“I feel so lucky that it was arriving in the area just as I needed it – it was amazing and I’m glad that other people will get to benefit, too,” Ms Kent-Hazledine added.
“I’m eternally grateful to those people who donated blood and plasma – it’s only thanks to them that that plasma was available and I’m able to see again.”
Emma Warner emphasised the importance of blood and plasma donors in enabling treatments like this, urging eligible individuals to register to donate.