Armenian EyeCare Project

Arman’s Sight Restored

Arman lost the sight in his right eye as a child. He was playing with a box of matches, when accidentally the head from a fired match struck his eye resulting in blindness.

“I could see – but very badly. I could hardly read the first line in the eye chart. I had the surgery two weeks ago and now I can see until the sixth line. I decided to have the surgery in Armenia as I had heard good things about the doctors from my relatives who live here. When I came, I was not disappointed. I was very pleased with the way they explained everything to me and with the care they showed for each patient. That gave me a feeling of trust,” said Arman.

Arman currently lives in Krasnodar, Russia. He is studying for a master’s degree of law at university. At the moment, he earns his living by working at a car repair service.

Myth: Using your eyes too much will wear them out.

Fact: We wouldn't lose our sense of smell by using our nose too much or our hearing by using our ears too much. The eyes were made for seeing. We won't lose our vision by using our eyes for their intended purpose.

Myth: Wearing contacts prevents nearsightedness from getting worse.

Fact: Wearing contact lenses will not permanently correct nearsightedness. Myopia or nearsightedness is usually an inherited condition, and contact lenses can only be expected to improve vision. They cannot prevent nearsightedness from getting worse.

Myth: It is okay to swim while wearing soft contact lenses.

Fact: No, it is not okay to swim while wearing contact lenses. Serious or potentially blinding eye infections can result from swimming or even using a hot tub while wearing contact lenses.

Diruhi’s Story

On 30 January 2014, Diruhi had cataract surgery. Unfortunately, after the surgery her sight continued to worsen. Diruhi was referred to Dr. Anna Hovakimyan and after a detailed examination she was told that she had a damaged cornea and that she needed a corneal transplant.

“I waited for the transplant for more than a year. My sudden blindness caused many difficulties in my everyday life. I couldn’t do anything at home and couldn’t look after my grandchildren. Now I am feeling very good. The pain is relieved and I can see again,” said Diruhi.

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