Jehan’s story
2 May 2025
Jehan started to experience difficulties with her left eye back in 2008 and was eventually diagnosed with wet macular degeneration. She is currently a patient at Moorfields and is grateful for her sight! Jehan shares her story.
Symptoms and diagnosis
Jehan first noticed issues with her sight in 2008 while visiting Beirut, Lebanon.
Her left eye’s vision suddenly deteriorated, and she began seeing dark spots.
She was diagnosed with wet macular degeneration and required injections to manage the condition.
What is macular degeneration?
Learn more
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a condition that causes damage to the light-sensitive layer of cells at the back of your eye, causing sight loss.
This layer of cells is called the retina. The macular is a small part of your retina that is critical for central vision, so AMD mainly causes loss of central vision.
AMD affects people over the age of 50. It is the most common form of macular degeneration.
There are two types of AMD:
- ‘Dry’ AMD, which is caused by a build-up of waste material under the macula.
- ‘Wet’ AMD, which is caused by abnormal blood vessels growing underneath the retina and leaking fluids.
People with AMD often experience sight loss or blurring in their central vision. This means they struggle to do everyday tasks like reading a clock or recognising people’s faces.
Connected to Moorfields
In 2010, Jehan began experiencing similar symptoms in her right eye. She connected with Moorfields Eye Hospital and started attending regular check-ups and receiving regular injections in both eyes.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, her right eye’s condition worsened significantly. To manage this, she received injections in her right eye every month for three months.
My story is a success story because of Moorfields care. They would call me to make sure I did not miss my appointment. Moorfields and the injections have been life-saving.
Jehan
Jehan is grateful that Moorfields continued providing essential treatment during the pandemic, acknowledging that her outcome could have been very different otherwise.
Jehan today
Jehan at a conference about children’s books
Jehan, who remotely volunteers with children libraries based in Gaza, relies heavily on her vision for reading and writing.
I have to go on with my life. I can’t imagine myself without vision now.
Jehan
It’s been a year since her last injection in her right eye. Although she feels better, her left eye has weakened and still requires injections. As a result, she relies more on her right eye for vision.
She also needs glasses for reading.
Jehan is scheduled to undergo cataract surgery on her left eye.
Moorfields have been my angel. I mean it from the bottom of my heart. I live alone. My eyes are the most important thing to me.
Jehan
Jehan’s advice to others facing similar challenges is to stay proactive about their eye health and seek timely medical attention.
Moved by the life-changing care she received, Jehan supports Moorfields through donations and a gift in her will.
She encourages others to give what they can, so that more people can experience the same hope and healing.
