Man gains vision at 22

Kolkata, Apr 15 (PTI) A 22-year-old man, who was visually
impaired since birth and believed that he was doomed to live
in perpetual darkness, has gained his sight.

Sanjoy Sen, who had cataract in both eyes since birth and
could not see but feel strong light, gained vision after being
operated twice here in the capital of India's eastern state
of West Bengal.

The operations were performed by Dr Jyotirmoy Dutta of the
National Medical College and Hospital whom Sanjoy, pursuing
graduation from Netaji Subhas Bose Open University, approached
for a certificate to declare him visually handicapped.

Dr Datta, after examining Sanjoy, advised him to get
operated. "I told him you are at zero now, why don't you take
a chance?" the doctor said.

He also told Sanjoy, a resident of Durgapur, that unless
the cataract was operated on and he fails to restore vision, a
certificate of blindness could not be issued.

Sanjoy, who had lost his parents at an early age, agreed
for the operation, after which his left eye was operated upon
on March 14.

"He responded very well and his right eye was operated
on April 7," Dr Datta said.

The operations were, however, very difficult as it was
performed late. Such operations have to be done within six
years of birth for a chance to regain vision, the doctor said.

Sanjoy's retina had become lazy which in medical term
was known as stimulus deprivation amloypia, he said.

To make matters more complicated, his eyeball movement was
very erratic and fast, making it difficult to conduct several
tests and fix the lens, the doctor said adding there was also
calcium deposition in the right eye, but it was removed.

"When the eye-pad on my left eye was removed a day after
the first operation, I first felt a strong light on my closed
eye and told the doctor as such," Sanjoy told PTI.

"Dr Datta asked me to slowly open my eye. I could then see
persons in front of me and it was the first time I saw a
fellow human being. I could not utter a word for some time. I
was so delighted!," he said.

Sanjoy, for whom gaining vision is no less than a miracle,
wants to visit the seaside.

"Now that I have got a new life, I want to see the sea,
the waves and the endless water," Sanjoy said.

The doctor said, "I want to see whether his retina gains
more stimulus. He has already gained 40 per cent vision in
both eyes and can see things distinctly which will increase.

"As his other senses are very strong due to the prolonged
visual impairment, he could recognise me as his doctor and his
friend Rajesh after his first operation," Dr Datta said.

Rajesh is also blind and shares a room with Sanjoy at
National Association for the Blind, an NGO, which gives them
shelter and a stipend for education.

Dr Datta now hopes that he can bring light in the life
of Rajesh, who is very happy that his friend can see. PTI