Jammu, May 15: The Department of Ophthalmology at All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) Jammu has achieved a remarkable milestone by successfully restoring vision in a middle-aged patient, who was admitted to the eye OPD, with severe ocular trauma sustained while gardening.
The patient was cutting grass with an iron sickle when a small fragment of the sickle struck his eye. He was immediately rushed to AIIMS Jammu.
On clinical examination, the patient, according to an AIIMS Jammu spokesperson, was found to have corneal perforation and traumatic cataract and an Intraocular Foreign Body (IOFB) was suspected. Diagnostic imaging, including ultrasound B-scan and CT scan, confirmed the presence of a metallic foreign body measuring approximately 5 mm lodged within the posterior segment of the eye.
A highly complex microsurgical procedure involving pars plana lensectomy, vitrectomy and removal of the iron foreign body was successfully performed by Dr Ridham Nanda, Assistant Professor, Department of Ophthalmology along with the team.
The procedure was supported by senior Residents Dr Asma Jabeen and Dr Shefali Verma, who carried out detailed pre-surgical evaluation and coordinated perioperative care.
Dr Nanda highlighted that removing the metallic foreign body without injuring the retina posed a significant challenge due to its sharp edges; however, the surgery was meticulously performed along with endolaser photocoagulation to reinforce weak retinal areas. “Postoperatively, the patient is recovering well with significant visual improvement,” Dr Nanda said.
Dr Bhavani Raina, Additional Professor and officiating Head of the Department of Ophthalmology, provided expert guidance and oversight throughout the case, commending the team for their precision and commitment to patient safety. She emphasised that the department was committed to providing super-specialty ophthalmic services in the region.
Prof (Dr) D N Sharma, Executive Director and CEO, congratulated the department for performing such advanced sight-saving procedures at AIIMS Jammu.
“These complex surgeries reflect the growing clinical and surgical excellence of the institute and will help reduce patient referrals outside the Union Territory while building confidence in tertiary eye care services within the region,” Prof (Dr) Sharma maintained.
