Combined IOL replacement, optical penetrating keratoplasty and structural repair performed in single sitting enables 6 by 24 vision recovery for 44 year old Mumbai gynaecologist
Chennai, February 18, 2026: Dr Agarwals Eye Hospital restored functional vision to a 44 year old gynaecologist from Mumbai who had lost sight in both eyes after ten years of progressive vision loss caused by severe glaucoma and multiple refractory intraocular conditions.
The surgical team performed an integrated and highly complex intervention combining the advanced 5F-ISHF intraocular lens fixation technique, optical penetrating keratoplasty, scleral fixation and pupilloplasty in a single sitting to address extensive anatomical distortion in the patient’s left eye.
The patient had been diagnosed with glaucoma in 2010 and had undergone multiple procedures elsewhere, including cataract surgery, trabeculectomy and Mitomycin C therapy. Despite continued treatment, her vision progressively deteriorated, resulting in total vision loss in the right eye and near blindness in the left. At presentation, she retained only perception of light and projection of rays in the left eye.
Doctors identified that the immediate cause of profound visual loss was a malpositioned artificial intraocular lens that was pressing against the iris and cornea, leading to structural distortion and fusion of anterior eye layers. The faulty lens was removed, compromised ocular structures were reconstructed and a new intraocular lens was implanted using the 5F-ISHF technique.
The patient regained 6 by 24 vision in her left eye immediately after surgery, enabling her to resume her medical practice. Further improvement is expected as healing progresses.
Addressing the press conference, Dr Ashvin Agarwal, Chief Clinical Officer and Senior Ophthalmologist, said, “This was an exceptionally complex case. The severity of her condition required multiple surgical approaches delivered in a seamless manner. Addressing only one dimension of the problem would not have enabled her to regain functional vision. It was the combined expertise, infrastructure and surgical capability of our team that allowed us to provide a long lasting solution.”
Dr Soosan Jacob, Director and Chief, Dr Agarwal’s Refractive and Cornea Foundation, who performed the surgery, said, “While the patient had a long history of glaucoma, we identified that the immediate cause of her profound visual loss was a malpositioned artificial intraocular lens. We therefore adopted a comprehensive approach, removing the faulty IOL, reconstructing the compromised ocular structures and implanting a new lens using the 5F-ISHF technique.”
The 5F-ISHF technique, developed by Dr Soosan Jacob, enables secure placement of an intraocular lens without stitches or large incisions. The lens is positioned within the eye’s structure to ensure stable fixation even in complex cases.
The press conference was also addressed by Dr Soundari S, Regional Head Clinical Services, Chennai, and Dr Manoj Khatri, Clinical Lead and Head, Department of Vitreo Retina.
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