RAWALPINDI (Kashmir English): In a rare medical achievement, surgeons at a Rawalpindi hospital restored the eyesight of a 101-year-old man following a highly complex cataract procedure that many local specialists had declined to undertake in view of his age and underlying retinal disease.
Centenarian Raza Khan from Islamabad, underwent surgery at Rawalpindi’s Al-Shifa Trust Eye Hospital after suffering from dense cataracts complicated by age-related macular degeneration, a condition that significantly reduces the likelihood of visual recovery in very elderly patients.
Several ophthalmologists in the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad had previously ruled out surgical intervention, citing excessive medical risks.
The delicate operation was performed by a specialized team of surgeons led by Dr Sabeehuddin, head of the hospital’s cataract department.
Advanced surgical instruments and protective viscoelastic gels were employed to minimize trauma to the eye’s fragile tissues — a critical consideration in geriatric patients, according to the reports.
“The procedure involved far more than the removal of a clouded lens,” said Dr Sabeehuddin, adding, “We also had to address complex retinal issues that typically limit visual improvement in patients of such an age.”
Post-operative assessments showed a marked recovery as the patient is now able to recognise family members and move independently.
The achievement also carries pride for the institution. Raza Khan was a close associate of the late Lieutenant General Jehangir Dad Khan, the founding figure of Al-Shifa Trust.
Al-Shifa Eye Trust
Al-Shifa Trust was established with the aim of prevention and control of blindness by providing standard and sustainable eye care services which are accessible and affordable to all regardless of gender, race, color or religion.
