An eye hospital in India has restored vision to an eight-month-old baby, born with congenital cataracts in both eyes.
Nethradhama Super Speciality Eye Hospitals employing an advanced phacoemulsification technique to successfully complete the high-risk paediatric cataract surgery.
The procedure, performed by Dr Sri Ganesh and his team within 30 minutes, involved aspirating the cataract through a micro-incision, followed by a posterior capsulorehxis and anterior vitrectomy, concluding with the implantation of a foldable intraocular lens (IOL) customised for the infant’s eyes.
The baby’s mother underwent similar surgery at the same hospital approximately 20 years ago, as a one-year-old.
Today, I am extremely happy that my baby can see the world.
Congenital cataracts are a type of cataract that are present at birth or develop during infancy. They can occur due to genetic factors, infections during pregnancy such as rubella or herpes, metabolic disorders, or other unknown causes. Early detection and prompt treatment, often through surgical removal of the affected lens, are essential to prevent permanent vision loss and allow for the development of normal visual function in affected infants.
Anaesthesiologist Dr Suman Shree said the mother was emotional, when the baby reached for her after surgery.
“What is a most emotional moment for the mother in the post-operative period when the vision has come back, the baby reaches out for the mother’s bindi. That is the moment of truth for the mother – that is the evidence that her baby can see her,” she said.
The baby’s mother said she was “apprehensive at first, however, the medical team’s expertise and compassionate care reassured us every step of the way”.
“Today, I am extremely happy that my baby can see the world. We truly feel fortunate to have received such remarkable care and hospitality.”
