Man Whose Eye ‘Melted’ in Acid Attack Thanks Placenta Donor for Sight-Saving Grafts
A man who lost vision in his left eye during a brutal acid attack has expressed gratitude to a placenta donor whose contribution provided life-changing tissue grafts.
Paul Laskey, 43, sustained severe injuries while protecting his son from a knife-point robbery in February 2023. During the altercation, Laskey was sprayed in the face with a corrosive substance, believed to be battery acid, causing extensive damage to his left eye.
Doctors at Newcastle’s Royal Victoria Infirmary determined that the acid had penetrated both the inner and outer layers of his cornea, leaving him completely blind in the affected eye. Over the following eight months, Laskey underwent two emergency transplants and three amniotic tissue grafts, created from donated placenta, offering hope for vision restoration.
Amnion grafts, made from the inner lining of the placenta, are lightweight and transparent, promoting healing of the eye’s surface while providing anti-inflammatory benefits. Each donated placenta can produce between 50 and 100 grafts, which can also be used to treat burns and other wounds.
Medical experts highlighted the significance of such donations. Professor Francisco Figueiredo, consultant ophthalmologist at Newcastle Eye Centre, noted that amnion grafts play a crucial role in treating various ocular surface conditions. The grafts, derived from an organ developed to nurture new life, have become a powerful tool in modern medicine.
The attack left a lasting impact on Laskey’s family. He revealed that his son continues to struggle with feelings of guilt, despite being reassured that he was not at fault.
Robbie Scott, the perpetrator of the attack, had his sentence increased from 10 to 11 years by the court of appeal last August.
Laskey’s recovery journey is ongoing, with doctors now considering a stem cell transplant to further restore his vision. He emphasized his gratitude to the anonymous placenta donor, noting how a simple act of generosity could transform lives.
Claire Price, national retrieval manager at NHS Blood and Transplant tissue and eye services, called Laskey’s story a reminder of the profound impact of donations, not only of blood and organs but also of placental tissue.
The innovative use of amnion grafts underscores the growing importance of medical research and tissue donation in offering hope and healing to patients facing life-altering injuries.
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