The Voice Contestant Rachael Leahcar Posts Recent Eye Tests on Facebook
What is retinitis pigmentosa?
The Voice contestant Rachael Leahcar recently posted a photo showing the results of her latest eye scans on Facebook.
Seventeen-year-old Leahcar, who had been diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa, won the hearts of many Aussies after her audition on Australia's franchise of the singing competition, The Voice. All the judges turned around to let her through after her lovely rendition of La Vie En Rose.
Leahcar shouts out on the social network: "As promised, something special. This is from my last two eye tests."
Retinitis pigmentosa is a group of genetic eye conditions that can ultimately lead to complete blindness. It is diagnosed with electroretinography (ERG) and visual field testing. The condition is incurable, but vitamin A therapy can help slow the progress of blindness, depending on how the abnormalities have spread in one's eyes.
Scientists are still working on the possibilities of retinal transplants, artificial retinal implants and stem cell processes to enable people with advanced retinitis pigmentosa to regain their eyesight.
When someone in her Facebook page asked what the photos mean, Leahcar replied:
"Sorry I didn't explain properly! The dark bits would normally be clear. Unfortunately it has deteriorated a lot since I have more dark bits. No cure but there is always hope for a miracle :)"
This image shows the condition in Leahcar's left eye:
The white spots in the images represent Leahcar's vision in each eye.
Leahcar is all set for Monday night's performance show. It is Leahcar's first solo performance since the show's blind auditions earlier this season. In her latest Facebook shoutout, she says:
"Hope you enjoy Monday night's show at 7:30pm on Channel 9. Its going to be out of this world, even sound check had me boppin' along and tearing up at times!"