Katie Piper undergoes surgery to save her eye and urges trolls to back off

Loose Women star shares emotional hospital moment with daughter

Katie Piper, the TV presenter and campaigner who was attacked with acid 15 years ago, has undergone surgery on her left eye in a bid to save her sight. The 40-year-old shared photos of herself in hospital, with her six-year-old daughter comforting her. Piper also revealed that her surgeon had operated on scar tissue in her right eye, causing it to swell. She used the opportunity to ask online trolls not to comment on her appearance, explaining that living with her injuries means her recovery is ongoing.

A glimpse into the reality of living with disfigurement

Piper took to Instagram to explain her latest operation, a Tarsorrhaphy, which involves stitching the upper and lower eyelids together to partially or completely close the eye. She emphasized that surgical decisions for those with disfigurements are based on function, not aesthetics, in her case aiming to preserve her eye and avoid total loss. Piper also addressed the difficulties of her recovery, admitting that operations can trigger memories of the attack and have a mental impact. She urged followers not to troll her, emphasizing that she is still the same person.

Outpouring of support for the brave campaigner

Piper received an overwhelming number of well-wishes in response to her post. Friends and fans commended her bravery, strength, and willingness to share her journey in order to help others. They expressed their admiration for her accomplishments and highlighted the unfortunate reality of online trolling. Piper's friend, Luisa Zissman, expressed her sadness at the need for Piper to ask not to be trolled, calling her a brave and strong woman. Others praised Piper for her resilience and for being an inspiration to many.

Katie Piper, who founded the Katie Piper Foundation to support burn victims, was attacked with sulphuric acid in 2008 by her ex-boyfriend's friend. The assault was ordered by her ex-boyfriend, who had been stalking her.