RAWALPINDI: A rare medical breakthrough has occurred at Al-Shifa Trust Eye Hospital in Rawalpindi. The surgeons have successfully restored the eyesight of a 101-year-old man. They performed a high-risk cataract surgery. Many doctors had denied the surgery due to age and retinal disease.
A centenarian from Islamabad, Raza Khan, was suffering due to dense cataracts. The issue was more complicated by age-related macular degeneration. This condition limits visual recovery in elderly patients.
Many ophthalmologists in the Twin Cities had ruled out surgery, citing serious medical risks and a low chance of success.
Dr Sabeehuddin, head of Al-Shifa’s cataract department, led a specialised surgical team. The team carried out the procedures using advanced microsurgical instruments. They also used protective viscoelastic gels to minimise damage to fragile eye tissue.
Dr Sabeehuddin said, “This was not a routine cataract operation.” “We managed both the cataract and underlying retinal complications to achieve functional visual improvement.”
Significant recovery was seen in post-surgery assessments. The patient can move independently and recognise family members. The quality of his life is greatly improving.
Pakistan has a growing problem of eye care burden. This surgery comes at a welcome time. It has been estimated that nearly 2.7 million people in the country are blind, with cataracts responsible for 51 per cent of cases.
