Thank you for taking the time to read our story. Tilly was 2 and a 1/2 years old when she woke one morning and said my eyes have stopped working. She was also screaming with pain and crying the light was hurting her eyes. We decided to take her to A and E at the Sheffield Children's hospital and from the minute we walked in they were amazing. They were quick to try and discount meningitis and a brain tumour. As they were examining Tilly's eyes they noticed she had no red reflexes. We were sent to see the eye specialist who said she thought they could see cataracts but it was difficult to see. We spent 4 days being tested for almost everything possible and saw numerous specialists while they tried to find out what was wrong with Tilly. After an extensive MRI scan and eye examination they confirmed she had developed abnormal cataracts and they needed to get to the bottom of this. We saw metabolic specialists, Neurologists, Paediatrics and Genetecists.  The hospital were doing absolutely everything they possibly could. After many hospital visits, sometimes 4 a week they decided surgery was the only option and eye surgery was set for the 16th December. 

The operation was to take out the first cataract and insert a new replacement lens. The operation didn't go to plan as when they tried to insert her new lens the eye became unstable, they tried several times but it became unsafe to continue. Tilly was fitted with a special silicon lens to help her brain reconnect with her eye and develop the vision. Her second cataract was scheduled for the 9th March and this time we knew she wouldn't be having the replacement lens as it would cause further developmental problems. We are now nearly 10 weeks post surgery and Tilly is doing fantastic she is getting used to seeing the world through her new aphakic glasses and she will soon move onto some special bifocals to help her start to read. 

We are specifically supporting the eye department as they have been outstanding with their care and have gone above and beyond to try and find new ways to help Tilly and we will always be very grateful for all they have done. Tilly is scootering for them every day for the next 30 days which is a difficult thing to do when you are seeing the world in a whole new way!

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