An elderly widow whose eyesight has been ruined by faulty artificial lenses implanted during cataract surgery is suing the American manufacturers.

Vera Leeming, 79 who lives with her son Terry at Watling Street Road, Preston, had routine cataract surgery in 2001, and can now barely see.

She can only read with the aid of two magnifying glasses.

Solicitors in America acting for Birchall Blackburn, Avenham Street, Preston, have filed a multi-million pound lawsuit against the lens makers, Ophthalmic Innovations International Inc, of Ontario, California, and the suppliers of their packaging.

They believe Mrs Leeming could be awarded up to £100,000.

The retired local government inspector is one of 34 people taking action against multi-national medical products company.

Mrs Leeming, a mother-of-three grown-up children said: "I cannot read or write properly any more.

"The other day I was trying to write a 21st birthday card for my granddaughter but I started writing off the card and onto the table.

"I am taking action but I would give up all the money to have my sight back."

Duncan Stackhouse, the solicitor representing Mrs Leeming and the other joint claimants, said: "These patients feel completely let down.

"Every operation carried a risk so it was enough for them to undergo their original cataract surgery.

"But the trauma of discovering that their vision was worse than ever and that further medical intervention was required was almost too much to bear."

Mrs Leeming first had cataract surgery in early 2001 at Drayton House Clinic, Southport, and two years later during a routine eye inspection at Royal Preston Hospital, she was informed there was a problem with the lenses.

Mrs Leeming, who is also a diabetic, had the faulty lenses removed in 2003 but last November she discovered she could barely see.

"All of a sudden I could see the television set but the faces on the screen were just pink circles," she said.

Doctors at the Royal Preston Hospital have since informed her there is nothing more they can do.