Dr Agarwals Eye Hospital Performs World-First Surgical Procedure, Restores Vision to Mumbai Gynaecologist
Chennai: In a rare and complex surgical intervention, Dr Agarwals Eye Hospital has restored vision to a 44-year-old gynaecologist from Mumbai who had become completely blind after a decade of progressive glaucoma and multiple refractory intraocular complications.
The patient had undergone several surgeries over the years, including cataract surgery and trabeculectomy, but her condition worsened, leading to total vision loss in the right eye and near blindness in the left. Upon evaluation, doctors identified a malpositioned intraocular lens (IOL) in the left eye as the immediate cause of severe vision deterioration. The faulty lens was pressing against the iris and cornea, distorting the eye’s anatomy and causing fusion of the anterior structures.
In what the hospital described as a world-first, the surgical team performed an advanced 5F-ISHF IOL implantation technique combined with optical penetrating keratoplasty (OPK), novel 5F scleral fixation, and pupilloplasty in a single sitting.
The surgery was led by Dr Soosan Jacob, Director and Chief – Dr Agarwal’s Refractive and Cornea Foundation (DARCF). The press conference was also addressed by Dr Ashvin Agarwal, Chief Clinical Officer; Dr Soundari S, Regional Head – Clinical Services, Chennai; and Dr Manoj Khatri, Clinical Lead and Head, Department of Vitreo Retina.
Following the procedure, the patient regained 6/24 vision in her left eye immediately after surgery, enabling her to return to medical practice. Doctors indicated that further visual improvement is expected as healing progresses.
Dr Ashvin Agarwal stated that the case required extensive reconstruction of distorted ocular anatomy and seamless integration of multiple surgical techniques. Dr Soosan Jacob noted that the 5F-ISHF technique allows secure placement of a new intraocular lens without stitches or large incisions, offering stability even in highly complex cases.
Hospital officials described the intervention as a significant advancement in managing complicated intraocular conditions and restoring functional vision in cases previously considered inoperable.
