After taking cold medicine, Hung developed an allergic reaction and a rare syndrome that has led to gradual vision loss over the past 16 years.
The cold medicine Hung took in 2007 was SEDA, which is now discontinued. After taking the medicine, his condition did not improve; he had a high fever of 41 degrees Celsius, convulsions, and a rash all over his body. Hung was diagnosed with scarlet fever by the doctor and treated symptomatically.
A month later, Hung developed large blisters all over his abdomen, legs, and face, tiny blisters around his eyes, his lips peeled, and the nails on his fingers started falling off one by one. Doctors diagnosed him with Stevens-Johnson syndrome, a type of allergic reaction, mainly caused by an allergic reaction to medication. The disease is rare, affecting 2 in 1,000,000 people, and can be life-threatening with a mortality rate of 5-30%.
The tiny blisters in Hung's eyes gradually grew larger. His eyes were dry, and his eyelids secreted a lot of uncomfortable white fluid; even a light touch could cause his eyelashes to fall off. Due to late detection and treatment, Hung's eye structure began to deform. His eyes were red, requiring frequent eye drops, and he could barely see clearly on the blackboard, forcing him to learn most of his subjects by listening.
After two years of eye treatment in Vietnam, he went abroad to study and receive further treatment. During his five years overseas, Hung underwent two surgeries on his left eye to separate the eyelid from the eyeball, allowing for easier eyeball movement. He also had a biological amniotic membrane grafted to stabilize the eyelid structure and regulate tear production. Upon returning to Vietnam, Hung, now 32 years old, still requires regular hospital visits.
The patient is receiving pre-operative care at Hanoi Eye Hospital 2. Photo: Provided by the hospital.
In early June, a large blister appeared again in Hung's right eye. Doctors performed surgery to treat the blister and simultaneously grafted amniotic membrane to replace the conjunctiva and protect the eye. Hung continued treatment at Hanoi Eye Hospital 2.
Currently, Hung's vision in both eyes is very weak; his left eye has only 1/10 vision, and his right eye has 2/10. The treatment plan mainly involves antibiotic and anti-inflammatory eye drops, artificial tears, and regular check-ups to prevent blood vessels from encroaching on the cornea.
On June 21st, Associate Professor Dr. Hoang Thi Minh Chau, Chairwoman of the Professional Council at Hanoi Eye Hospital 2, stated that the patient was diagnosed and treated too late, when symptoms had already become severe. The golden period for eye treatment was missed because the focus was initially on treating other bodily ailments without considering the eye.
"This is a rare disease, and symptoms usually appear later, about a month after using the allergy medication," Dr. Chau said, adding that if detected earlier and diagnosed correctly from the beginning, patients have a chance of preserving their eyesight.
Steven-Johnson syndrome causes progressive eyelid deformity, redness and inflammation of the eyes, and blood vessels gradually encroaching on the cornea, leading to corneal damage, blurred vision, and eventually blindness. Therefore, patients need regular check-ups and monitoring throughout the course of the disease, and must accept the reality of "living with the condition."
Doctors advise patients to take medication exactly as directed, not to take non-prescription drugs, not to use prescription drugs intended for others, and not to skip doses without consulting their doctor.
Le Nga
The character's name has been changed.
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