We are honored to share inspiring stories from our patients who experience life-changing care. Claire, a remarkable young woman, shares her journey from being born legally blind to discovering a new world of possibilities after PRK surgery performed by Dr. Lawrence Tychsen at St. Louis Children’s Hospital.
Claire’s Story
“Hi, I’m Claire. I was born legally blind with 20/1000 vision in both eyes. My parents and I were initially told that nothing could be done, and I would live my life blind. This was discouraging, especially since most of my friends could see, and I didn’t even understand what ‘seeing’ meant at that time. Then, in 2005, everything changed.”
Claire was diagnosed with bilateral retrograde optic atrophy, high myopia, nystagmus, and strabismus, conditions that made vision correction incredibly complex. Before surgery, Claire’s glasses did little to improve her sight—in her words, they were just “on my face for decoration.” School days were challenging, and tasks like reading required using bright yellow paper for greater contrast, drawing unwanted attention from classmates.
When Claire met Dr. Tychsen, a pediatric ophthalmologist and leader in vision care, her journey took a hopeful turn.
“Meeting Dr. Tychsen filled me with hope, though I was still skeptical. I vividly remember feeling frustrated and embarrassed when he asked me if I could see the eye chart, because I couldn’t see anything. Little did I know how much this surgery would transform my life.”
In 2005, Claire underwent photorefractive keratectomy (PRK), a laser surgery procedure designed to correct refractive errors in the eye. PRK is a highly effective solution for certain conditions, particularly when traditional glasses or contacts fail to make a difference. Before surgery, Claire’s vision was 20/1000 uncorrected. After PRK, her vision improved to 20/80.
But for Claire, this surgery was more than numbers—it was about experiencing the world in a way she never thought possible.
A Memorable Surgery Experience
During the surgery, Claire recalls how Dr. Tychsen’s compassion made all the difference:
“I asked Dr. Tychsen about who would be in the room with me. He stopped what he was doing and introduced the entire operating room team. His care and responsiveness made me feel truly seen, heard, and important. It’s amazing how one act of kindness can impact someone so deeply.”
Seeing Stars and a New Future
Claire’s recovery brought a series of incredible firsts:
- The realization that she could finally see outside.
- The joy of glasses that actually improved her vision.
- And her unforgettable moment of seeing her first star in the night sky.
From threading beads to reading books and watching movies, Claire’s life transformed in ways she never imagined.
“This surgery changed everything. Now, I’m a public speaker, educating medical professionals on caring for patients with disabilities. My experience with Dr. Tychsen and St. Louis Children’s Hospital profoundly influenced my career path, and I still cherish the impact it had on my life.”
About PRK Surgery
Photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) is a type of laser eye surgery that reshapes the cornea, improving how light enters the eye. Unlike LASIK, PRK does not require the creation of a corneal flap, making it an excellent option for patients with thin corneas or other complex eye conditions.
Claire’s success story reflects not only the transformative power of PRK but also the compassionate, patient-centered care provided by Dr. Tychsen and the entire team.
Claire’s journey is a testament to the life-changing possibilities available through innovative vision care. We are proud to celebrate her success and the dedicated efforts of our physicians in restoring hope and sight for patients like Claire.
Watch Claire’s inspiring video testimonial to hear her story in her own words.
For more information on PRK surgery and our pediatric ophthalmology services, contact the WashU Medicine John F. Hardesty, MD Children’s Eye Center.