I am Kimberly About 7 months ago, my baby who is 1 year 4 months developed what looked like an eye infection. Our GP prescribed antibiotic drops, and off we went. Two days later, we noticed that there was something seriously wrong with the eye. It looked like something was growing inside his eyeball (which was not there the day before). Furthermore, we realised that he had no feeling in his eye, as he literally put his finger in his eye, scratching his eyeball, without even flinching. This is not normal. Something was seriously wrong. I immediately consulted my GP again, and I could see she was extremely concerned. She arranged for us to see an ophthalmologist immediately. I left her office and drove directly to the ophthalmologist. My child was diagnosed with Herpes Virus in his left eye. Yes, Herpes Virus - like the one that causes fever blisters on lips. I've never heard of something so ridiculous. I mean, really, a fever blister growing on his cornea!!!??? It has not been easy for us to look at our child this way , but after thousands of dollars of medication, hospitalisation, biopsy, specialists visits and an amazing pharmacist who had to 'make' special medicine for our baby's condition. we have had just one trip to the teater out of three 

The scariest part is that this virus, if left untreated, can migrate to the brain. Many other complications can also ensue. 

Due to the damage caused to the eye, he developed a hole (open wound) in his eye, a 'cornea defect', and our baby's defect was 4mm in size. It's the most traumatic experience to look at your baby, and literally see a 4mm open wound in his eye, which is so clearly visible. 

It's been confirmed by several doctors that the Herpes Virus could only have been transferred by someone who had an active fever blister, kissing mour baby on (or close) to the eye, or on his hand where after he touched his eye. 

Our baby lost most of his vision and sensation in his left eye. Due to the open wound, the eye was/is infected constantly. Also, if we can't get the wound to heal, he will (not can, but WILL)  be losing the eye . 

WE STILL NEED TO MONEY TO FOR THE TWO REMAINING SURGERY 

The second surgery involves harvesting nerves from his leg, and implanting it into the eye. 

If that procedure is successful, he will eventually (and hopefully) be eligible for a cornea transplant, provided that a suitable donor is secured.

Our baby's eyelids are stitched closed, to protect the eye, but I can only imagine how uncomfortable that must be for him. Whether any vision can ever be restored, is unknown at this stage, Our main priority at this stage is just to save the eye itself and to prevent further infection.

-please  don't let anyone kiss your baby. Such a silly virus caused so much trauma and damage, it’s just not worth it!”

PLEASE HELP US SAVE OUR CHILD’S EYE