Surgery ‘transforms life’ of partially blind Filipino mum

Modernising science and technology in the field of Oculoplastic Surgery and the need to provide all the necessary social and logistical support, to everyone suffering from illnesses leading to the provision of artificial eyes, come in focus as two global research papers have pinpointed that aside from increasing aging populations, affected as well are those who have been subjected to accidents or trauma.

Over at the Medcare Hospital in Sharjah, successfully operated on for her customised prosthetic eye, was 42-year-old healthcare assistant Jovi Jacao from the Philippines.

Medical records revealed that Jacao had been carrying on with her life, particularly her duties and responsibilities as a mother-of-two, with partial vision only.

It was an aftermath of a child’s play at age seven whereby a stick unintentionally penetrated through and pulled out her left eyeball.

“After 35 years, the surgery has transformed my life in ways I never imagined. It is a fresh start. I can now smile, socialise and live without fear,” Jacao said.

Over-all in-charge of the socket reconstruction, applying the Dermis Fat Graft, was Dr. Fairooz P. Manjandavida.

Pre-operation, Jacao went through a comprehensive clinical evaluation for the assessment of her condition for the implementation of a proper personalised treatment plan; orbital scan for the precise structure of what is left of her left eye socket; and, “routine pre-operative fitness assessments.”

“Jovi had lived with the trauma for so long that she was convinced nothing could be done. Her biggest concern was her appearance. But the real challenge was that her eye socket had atrophied over time, making prosthetic fitting difficult,” said the ophthalmologist for over 14 years, adept in facial and eye surgery, including eye cancer treatment. Meanwhile, the marketreportanalysis.com reported that for 2025 alone, global market for prosthetic/glass/artificial/fake eyes would be at $102.35 million (Dhs375,926,944.25). This would inflate to $5.2 billion (Dhs19,099,444,000.00) by 2034, according to the “Artificial Eyes Market Study by Moulded Prosthesis and Cosmetic Shell,” conducted in over 30 countries that include the Gulf Cooperation Council, Japan, Korea, USA, Canada, UK, Germany, France, and the Nordic nations. From the marketreportanalysis.com that highlighted patients’ awareness: “Technological advancements in materials and microelectronics are leading to the development of more sophisticated and aesthetically pleasing prosthetic eyes, including integrated and non-integrated options and retinal prosthetics.

An aging global population, coupled with an increasing prevalence of eye injuries and diseases requiring prosthetic intervention, further contributes to market growth.” While the research on at least 30 countries has the same conclusions, its authors moreover wrote that in the Americas such as in the USA, Canada, and Mexico, “the per capita public expenditure on healthcare is expanding, consequently contributing to the rising use of ocular devices among persons with vision impairment.”

The authors noted that major activators, specifically in the Developed World, aside from the growing number of investors, are “improved healthcare infrastructure, government funding and programmes for ocular diseases and eye care, and favourable reimbursement policies.”

Additionally, the authors, quoting the Society for the Prevention of Blindness, stated that “around 10,000 to 12,000 people per year lose an eye. Out of which 50 per cent or more eye losses are caused by accidents.”

On Jacao’s case, Manjandavida explained the Dermis Fat Graft for the left eye socket reconstruction, “This is a highly-specialised technique that transplants living tissue from another part of the body to restore the lost volume in the eye socket, ensuring a natural, comfortable fit for the prosthetic eye.”

“This surgery requires absolute precision. Any misalignment could affect not just the eye socket but the entire symmetry of the patient’s face,” she continued. The formation of the perfect foundation is critical because Jacao has to “completely heal physically and emotionally.”

It took a total of 14 weeks for Jacao’s new chapter. Her artificial left eye was fitted after 10 weeks from the time of the three-hour complex and delicate surgery. The stitches were removed after nearly a month. Post-operation assistance were infection management, hygiene maintenance, and “medication to prevent autologous graft failure rehabilitation support.”