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Thomas’s IOL Surgery

Yesterday Thomas underwent a surgery he’s waited 8 years for.

EIGHT YEARS!

It was part 1 of a 2-part procedure to implant a permanent lens (IOL) in his eye, eliminating the need for contacts and hopefully improving his eyesight in a big way.

Our doctor did the right eye first since it’s his weaker eye.

The surgery went well and Thomas did great!

We had a post-op appointment this morning and the doctor was surprised by how well his vision is already doing! His eye shield was removed and not only does everything look really good, his vision tested better than his left eye (which was previously his “stronger” eye)! And it’s still healing. So over the next few days he should continue to see improvement in his vision. And then at the one month mark he should be fully healed and we can get him thinner glasses.

We will return to Charleston next week and do this all over again for his left eye! The doctor was able to get a good look in that eye during surgery and the capsule that will hold his IOL looks to be in better shape than his right eye, so it should be a slightly quicker and easier procedure.

a well deserved post-op milkshake for breakfast

I am unbelievably proud of how far Thomas has come in his eyesight journey. His resilience. His strength. His patience. His understanding.

And I’m so grateful for the miracle of restored eyesight, the amazing surgeons and eye doctors who have helped him along the way, and the freedom this implant will give him.

I cannot wait for Thomas to no longer need to rely on contacts. He won’t experience waking up with limited vision, summertime at the beach and pool (previously his worst nightmare) will be so much more fun for him, he can attend sleep away camp, and so much more.

Thank you to all of YOU who have followed along in his journey and prayed for him all these years. I read him all the comments on my Instagram post before his procedure and he felt SO UNBELIEVABLY LOVED. I couldn’t be more grateful for all of you.

If you’re newer and want to catch up on Thomas’s eye condition, you can read all about it HERE.

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Alexa

Saturday 9th of December 2023

Hi! One of my friends has the same condition as Thomas, and their vision improved dramatically after they had this surgery at Duke! Out of curiosity, does Thomas have trouble with reading small print? I wasn’t sure if his vision loss was able to be fully corrected with glasses/contacts or not

Christina

Monday 11th of December 2023

Yes! He will still need glasses! He just wont need contacts AND glasses anymore! But so far we're seeing a huge improvement! :)

Shawna

Friday 8th of December 2023

Beautiful!! What a brave LIONHEART 🦁 Thomas is (and you to for being his strength)!!! Thank you Jesus for the continued healing!

Christina

Monday 11th of December 2023

Thank you, Shawna!!! We are unbelievably happy with how well he's healing! So so grateful!!!

Christine M

Friday 8th of December 2023

Go Thomas! So happy he is doing so well. Continued prayers for healing and the other eye surgery as well.

Kristen | kristenwoolsey.com

Friday 8th of December 2023

What a brave boy!!

Christina

Friday 8th of December 2023

Thank you! He continues to blow me away. :)

Toni :0)

Friday 8th of December 2023

Just great great news!! 🎈🥳 What a little Superman he is and oh so brave. Bless his little heart. Continued prayers for his healing and best wishes for his next one. We all are all praying for him and you as a family. Sending love and hugs. xoxo 🙏💙🥰

Christina

Friday 8th of December 2023

thank you, thank you, thank you!!