CASE STORIES: From Darkness to Light – Mrs Neera Agarwal’s Journey of Hope and Vision

by Barkha Kardam – Cornea Department & Project Coordinator, Assistant to Dr Manisha Acharya

Treating Doctor – Dr Virender Singh Sangwan

A Lifelong Battle with Vision Loss: Mrs Neera Agarwal, a 75-year-old lady, has faced a long and challenging journey with vision impairment. Diagnosed with glaucoma and uveitis in both eyes, she first noticed floaters in her vision 45 years ago. Despite consulting multiple doctors, she remained unsatisfied with the treatments and underwent several surgical procedures for glaucoma and cataracts. Originally from Himachal Pradesh, Mrs Agarwal had been wearing glasses since childhood. Over time, her condition worsened, leading to the complete loss of vision in her right eye which became phthisical. Her left eye retained minimal light perception, leaving her nearly blind.

Struggles During Complete Blindness: Six months before seeking treatment at our facility, Mrs Agarwal lost her remaining vision completely. This happened during the COVID-19 lockdown, making her experience even more isolating and distressing. She could no longer engage in her beloved hobbies – cooking, reading and traveling – and was confined to a world of darkness. However, her love for books led her to audiobooks which became a source of solace during her blindness.

A Supportive Family and a Ray of Hope: Mrs Agarwal, a former teacher, had dedicated her early years to education before giving up her profession after marriage. Her two sons, who now live in the USA with their families, provided unwavering emotional support during her struggles. Despite the challenges, she never lost hope. With the encouragement of her loved ones, she sought medical assistance once again and was introduced to Dr Virender Singh Sangwan, a renowned ophthalmologist.

The Miracle of Corneal Transplantation: Under the expert care of Dr Sangwan, Mrs Agarwal underwent corneal transplantation surgery – a life-changing procedure that restored her vision. After years of suffering, she could finally see the world again.

A New Life with Renewed Vision: Now, with her sight restored, Mrs Agarwal has regained her independence. She can once again enjoy her favourite activities and expresses immense gratitude to her doctors and family, who stood by her through every challenge.

"I never thought I would see again," she says with tears of joy, "but thanks to medical science and the kindness of my doctors, I have a second chance at life.”

An Inspiring Story of Strength and Resilience: Mrs Agarwal’s journey is a powerful testament to the strength of the human spirit, the support of family, and the miracles of modern medicine. Her story serves as an inspiration to many who face similar challenges, proving that even in the darkest moments there is always hope for a brighter future.