In 2003, Nancy Solomon-Stutts faced a challenge. She was diagnosed with Fuchs’ dystrophy, a condition that allows fluid to build up in the cornea, the clear tissue at the front of the eye. As the cornea swells and thickens, it can cause eye pain, blurred or cloudy vision, and glare.
Despite receiving various treatments, Solomon-Stutts experienced progressive vision impairment over the years. As her condition advanced, traditional treatment options no longer became viable options.
The cornea service at Medical College of Georgia referred her to Eye Consultants of Atlanta and a groundbreaking clinical trial the practice was conducting. This innovative procedure involves injecting cultured endothelial cells from Aurion Biotech directly into the eye to improve vision while avoiding a cornea transplant.
In early 2024, Solomon-Stutts met with Dr. Barry Lee of Eye Consultants of Atlanta, and she underwent a comprehensive consultation and testing to ensure she would qualify for the procedure. Shortly after, she received confirmation to undergo the procedure in March, becoming Georgia’s first patient to have this specific treatment.
The procedure involved making a small incision in the eye, where cultured endothelial cells would be injected directly into the cornea. Following the injection, Solomon-Stutts was asked to lay face down for three hours, allowing gravity to help the cells attach properly to the cornea.
“Nancy is actually the first person in Georgia to receive Aurion cell injections,” shared Dr. Lee. “She’s among the first 15 to 20 patients in the country to undergo this groundbreaking procedure.”
Dr. Lee informed her that the risk of rejection had been zero in previous trials, and that she would start seeing improvements in her vision within one to two months. Solomon-Stutts’ initial follow-up appointments were scheduled closely together to monitor her progress and adhere to the trial procedure guidelines. With each visit, she felt increasingly more optimistic about her vision.
“Dr. Lee’s knowledge was the most important thing to me, but his outlook made all the difference,” said Solomon-Stutts. “Having a doctor who gets excited about your progress – there’s nothing in the world that makes you feel better.”
As the weeks passed, Solomon-Stutts noticed improvements in her vision. Tasks that once were difficult, like reading fine print or driving at night, became easier. The clarity of her vision allowed her to navigate daily life with newfound confidence.
“After seeing the results, I can’t help but share my experience,” said Solomon-Stutts. “If anyone is considering this procedure, I tell them to go to Dr. Lee. His attention to detail and compassion really stood out to me. I felt like I was in great hands throughout my entire treatment.”
Eye Consultants of Atlanta’s dedication to innovation and patient-centered care not only gave Solomon-Stutts hope for clearer vision, but also paved the way for future advancements in eye health. This procedure has the potential to completely replace a cornea transplant in patients with Fuchs’ dystrophy, the number one cause for cornea transplant in the US. Avoiding cornea transplants can have a worldwide impact, especially for parts of the world without access to cornea tissue for transplants. The implications globally are potentially immense.
To schedule a visit, call (404) 351-2220 or visit EyeConsultants.net.