Connecticut Woman Injured in Chimp Attack Blind for Life

Doctors say a Connecticut woman who was nearly killed by a chimpanzee suffered such damage to her eyes that she will be blind for life.

Doctors say Charla Nash is improving, but faces two years of surgical procedures.

Nash is at Ohio’s Cleveland Clinic and is listed in critical, but stable condition. She lost her hands, nose, lips and eyelids in the Feb. 16 attack in Stamford, Connecticut. The 200-pound (90-kilogram) chimp was kept as a pet by Nash’s friend.

Doctors at the clinic say she has made significant neurological and psychological improvement and is awake and able to communicate with her family and caregivers.

Family members are talking to doctors about reconstructive surgery. Doctors say initial surgery will be focused on her facial injuries.

Relatives of the victim are seeking $50M in a lawsuit over the attack.