Let’s Unite for Matthias’s Eye Sight

Hi my name is Matthias, I’m 18 years old and am studying electrical engineering at the University of Malta. A few months ago I noticed blurring in my right eye. I approached my parents with my concerns and after several tests performed at Mater Dei Hospital they soon realized my problem is genetic. They shortly suggested that I take a specific test which confirmed that I have LHON (Leber Hereditary Optic Neuropathy) disease.

What is LHON?

Individuals with LHON usually start developing symptoms in their 20s. If they lose their vision, it usually happens before the age of 40.

Some people lose vision in one eye first and then eventually across both eyes, while others begin to lose central vision as well. The atrophy phase is characterized by bilateral optic atrophy that leads to blindness. Males are four to five times more likely to be affected than women.

Treatment

The best course of action is for me to begin a medical treatment plan in the form of tablets (Idebenone), which is manufactured in Germany but needs to be purchased from the U.K. My parents and I have been informed that the sooner I start medical treatment the better my chances are of recovery. My doctors recommend I need a minimum of 2 years of this medication.

I already cannot write nor read because the disease has affected my central vision. Coping with my studies is becoming increasingly difficult. The hospital has tried their best to get a hold of the medicine I need from overseas.

My only option is to purchase the medication independently until it is procured by the hospital. Since I require taking this medication for a duration of 2 years, the final costs could add up to €250,000 for the medication alone.

I am now pleased to announce that the first batch for a month has just been procured to me by the hospital.

Apart from the meds other equipment is needed to aid me see a bit better such as computers with the capacity to enlarge without distortion and specialized glasses and readers which unfortunately are not cheap to purchase. If all fails there is still the option for gene therapy overseas.

This campaign is there to help others as well with Lhon condition which although rare can still hit more persons in our country.

Conclusion

I am pleading for help urgently from anyone and everyone who can help me raise the funds needed to aid me combat this condition. My quality of life depends on this medication and other equipment and I would be eternally grateful to anyone who decides to help me and also others with such a condition, no matter how big or small your contributions are. I believe with your support you can help me and stop my central vision from deteriorating even further.