New machine helps to restore man's vision

Tomasz Kuczynski has had a "Mushroom 2-piece Penetrating Keratoplasty" - a modified form of a full-thickness transplant to replace the cornea

Surgeons believe a man could have his declining vision restored thanks to a £52,000 ophthalmic machine.

Tomasz Kuczynski, 42, was the first eye patient at Hinchingbrooke Hospital in Cambridgeshire to be treated using the Microkeratome.

The advanced equipment is only available in a few centres in the UK and it enhances the ability to perform different types of complex corneal transplant surgery.

Following his operation, Mr Kuczynski said: "I can see amazing little details I've not been able to see before, even in simple things like stones and normal objects."

The machine, purchased through donations, allows patients to access specialist treatment closer to their local area.

It could also significantly reduce patient waiting times and offer more effective treatment and outcomes.

After years of declining vision, Mr Kuczynski was referred to the hospital for surgery after evaluations at Peterborough City Hospital.

"My vision was very poor and was getting even worse. It was like looking through a thick fog, so I was excited about the opportunity to have the surgery," he said.

"The two-and-a-half-hour procedure made a remarkable difference. It actually wasn't too uncomfortable.

"Although there were a few days of adjustment, I felt so much better straight after the operation... now I'm recovering, and my eyesight is getting better every day."

Lead surgeon Jesse Panthagani said while Mr Kuczynski's surgery was complex it went smoothly, and anticipated his full vision would be restored.