In a remarkable medical breakthrough, doctors at Dr Agarwals Eye Hospital have successfully restored the vision of a 44-year-old gynaecologist from Mumbai who had been completely blind in both eyes after nearly ten years of progressive vision loss caused by severe glaucoma and multiple refractory intraocular pathologies.

The patient, who had undergone several unsuccessful surgeries in the past, presented with total blindness in her right eye and only minimal light perception in her left eye. According to specialists, her worsening condition was linked to a complex combination of severe glaucoma and a malpositioned artificial intraocular lens (IOL) that had distorted the anatomy of her left eye.

In what the hospital described as a world-first surgical intervention, the medical team performed the advanced 5F-ISHF intraocular lens implantation technique in a single sitting. The procedure involved the removal of the faulty IOL, optical penetrating keratoplasty (OPK), the novel 5F scleral fixation technique, and pupilloplasty to address multiple ocular complications simultaneously.

Following the surgery, the patient regained 6/24 vision in her left eye, a life-changing improvement that has enabled her to return to her medical practice. Doctors indicated that further visual improvement is expected as the eye continues to heal.

Medical experts explained that the immediate cause of her profound vision loss was the displaced intraocular lens pressing against the iris and cornea, which led to structural distortion and fusion of the anterior layers of the eye. Surgeons removed the misaligned lens and implanted a new, properly positioned IOL using the 5F technique, while reconstructive procedures repaired the severely damaged ocular structures and restored functional vision.

Dr. Ashvin Agarwal, Chief Clinical Officer and Senior Ophthalmologist at the hospital, described the case as exceptionally complex. He noted that the severity of the condition required multiple advanced surgical approaches carried out seamlessly, including reconstruction of distorted ocular anatomy, secure fixation of a new intraocular lens using the 5F-ISHF technique, and pupilloplasty. He emphasized that addressing only one aspect of the problem would not have been sufficient to restore functional vision, and that the combined surgical expertise and infrastructure were crucial in achieving a long-lasting outcome.

The surgery was performed by Dr. Soosan Jacob, Director and Chief of the Dr Agarwal’s Refractive and Cornea Foundation, who revealed that the patient had been diagnosed with glaucoma in 2010 and had undergone prolonged treatment elsewhere, including cataract surgery, trabeculectomy, and Mitomycin-C therapy. Despite continuous care, her vision continued to deteriorate over the years.

When the patient arrived for treatment, she had only perception of light and projection of rays in the left eye. After detailed evaluation, the surgical team identified the malpositioned intraocular lens as the key factor behind her severe visual loss and adopted a comprehensive surgical strategy that included removal of the faulty lens, reconstruction of compromised ocular structures, and implantation of a new lens using the advanced 5F-ISHF technique.

Developed by Dr. Soosan Jacob, the 5F-ISHF technique is a precise, flapless and suture-less method for securely implanting an intraocular lens without large incisions. The lens is fully tucked within the eye’s structure, providing enhanced stability and safety, particularly in highly complex cases where conventional approaches may not be effective.

Dr Agarwals Eye Hospital is globally recognized for its pioneering contributions to ophthalmic innovation. The institution has introduced several advanced surgical techniques now adopted worldwide, including Glued Intraocular Lens (Glued IOL) surgery, Pre-Descemet’s Endothelial Keratoplasty (PDEK), Single-Pass Four-Throw (SFT) Pupilloplasty, Pinhole Pupilloplasty (PPP), and Corneal Allogenic Intrastromal Ring Segments (CAIRS), all aimed at improving outcomes in complex corneal and intraocular conditions.