Healing Beyond Silence: A Sensory Challenged Patient's Remarkable Triumph
- Dr. JAY SHETH
Bright Beginnings - A 3-month-old child’s journey to visual restoration
- Dr. JENIL SHETH
Successful Surgery restores Comfort to a 3-year-old with Protruding Eye
- Dr. AKRUTI DESAI
A Miracle Journey of a Premature Baby's Triumph over Retinopathy of Prematurity
- Dr. SUSHMA JAYANNA
Health Insights
Faculty
Retina and ROP Services
A 22-year-old deaf-mute patient presented with a long-standing retinal detachment complicated by a giant retinal tear. The patient's unique circumstances posed significant communication challenges, requiring a distinctive approach to treatment.
Our surgical team performed the complex procedure under general anaesthesia. However, what truly distinguished this surgery was our commitment to ensuring the patient felt understood and supported throughout. Inside the operation theatre, a sign language expert was assigned to ensure effective communication throughout the process. This innovative approach fostered an environment of trust and cooperation, addressing the patient’s physical and emotional aspects.
The patient's retina reattached seamlessly, and his vision improved remarkably. Witnessing the patient's journey from profound challenges to renewed hope was an emotional experience for our team. The patient's family expressed deep gratitude, not just for the medical expertise, but also for the kindness and support shown by our staff. This heartfelt appreciation is a reminder of the significant impact our compassionate care has on the lives of our patients and their loved ones, extending far beyond the treatment itself.
Retinal detachment is a serious eye condition where the thin layer at the back of the eye, the retina, pulls away from its normal position. If left untreated, it may lead to permanent loss of vision. Symptoms include sudden flashes of light, floaters, and a curtain-like shadow over your visual field. Swift intervention is crucial to prevent further damage. Regular eye check-ups, especially for those at higher risk (short-sightedness, family history), can aid in early detection. If you experience any of these symptoms, seek immediate medical attention. Retinal detachment is treatable, and early intervention greatly improves the chances of successful recovery.
Faculty
Pediatric Ophthalmology, Strabismus and Neuro-Ophthalmology
A 3-month-old girl from suburban Mumbai was referred to the Shantilal Shanghvi Eye Institute for a second opinion. The family had noted white pupillary reflex. Systemically, she had multiple problems which included an obstructed hydrocephalus, a congenital heart defect, and a large umbilical hernia. The baby had delayed milestones, and instead of looking at her mother's face or smiling, she could only respond to sounds. At SSEI, she was noted to infrequently move her face to a bright light source and ocular examination showed cataract and nystagmus.
Due to the presence of multiple systemic congenital abnormalities, the baby was at high risk of general anaesthesia. Fortunately, this risk was mitigated by a collaborative effort from expert anaesthetists and pediatricians. A rare decision of bilateral cataract surgery at the same sitting was made. Stringent precautions were taken, treating each eye as an individual case, to prevent any possible or repetitive complication. The surgeries were successful and there was a smooth recovery from general anaesthesia.
Following the surgery, the child underwent a series of post-operative assessments at day one, one week, and one month. Glasses were prescribed. Simple visual rehabilitation exercises were explained to the parents for home practice and thus to continuously stimulate the vision. At the one-month follow-up, the baby exhibited remarkable improvement. It was a sight to see the baby engaging playfully, following bright objects, and following the light with her gaze. The mother was overjoyed that her baby was now able to see her and smile back! This wonderful progress brought smiles to everyone in the family, showing a big change in the way any child interacts since birth and how the gift of sight made her fill their hearts with immeasurable joy.
Pediatric cataracts are lens opacities present at birth or developing during infancy. These are caused by genetic factors, infections, or metabolic disorders and these clouded lenses hinder normal vision and its development in affected infants. Timely diagnosis and surgical intervention are crucial to prevent permanent visual impairment. Early detection allows for better outcomes, as the vision pathways are still amenable to change at a young age. Pediatric ophthalmologists play a vital role in managing Pediatric cataracts, and we emphasize the importance of regular screening of infants at risk.
Before Surgery | After Surgery
Faculty
Oculoplasty, Orbit & Ocular Oncology
A 3-year-old girl child from Ujjain was referred to Shantilal Shanghvi Eye Institute for a protruding right eye with no vision. She was diagnosed of a developmental anomaly in which the outer coat of the eye composed of cornea and sclera progressively bulge outwards leading to a condition called Staphyloma. This child had anterior and ciliary staphyloma in the right eye which not just caused pain and redness but also the protrusion was causing incomplete closure of the eye.
An evisceration was planned with a suitable ocular implant under General Anesthesia. The child had been earlier operated for a ventricular septal defect so special precautions were taken for the same. The surgery was performed taking care to ensure layered closure. The child was kept in observation for 4-5 hours post-surgery and later discharged.
The child underwent a review on the following day and again on Day-3, marking the initiation of eyelid opening. She recovered well and is at ease while wearing a conformer. Six weeks post-surgery, she is scheduled for a personalized ocular prosthesis. The child was not only comfortable but also actively engaged in play, bringing joy to her delight parents.
Evisceration is a procedure in which intra-ocular contents are removed preserving the sclera and eye muscles and it commonly involves placement of an implant to maintain the volume. This is then followed by customizing an ocular prosthesis suitable to each patient so that the external appearance of the eye is the same. This procedure is indicated in a painful blind eye which does not contain a neoplasm.
Faculty
Retina and ROP Services
A 6-week-old female baby born in the 28th week of gestation, with birth weight of just 1.1 kg was referred to Shantilal Shanghvi Eye Institute, diagnosed with Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP). The challenge intensified as her left eye was in an advanced stage, classified as 4A, and was further complicated by vitreous haemorrhage.
The journey began with crucial laser sessions in both eyes, aiming to halt ROP progression. Each session was a mix of hope and trepidation for her parents. Close monitoring revealed the urgency of surgery for the advanced stage in her left eye. Administering anaesthesia to a fragile 1.4 kg baby was challenging, but help arrived promptly. The surgery on her left eye was undertaken with meticulous precision with the assistance of experienced paediatric anaesthesia team led by Dr. Raja Narasing Rao, from the LVPEI (L V Prasad Eye Institute), Hyderabad. Post operation the baby was shifted to NICU.
Post-surgery, signs of progress and resilience emerged within a week. Retinopathy of prematurity started regressing and there was significant increase in weight, offering renewed hope for a brighter future. With bi-weekly follow-up, this tiny warrior has a fighting chance to grow up with the precious gift of sight, ready to explore the beauty of the world that awaits her.
In the frame: Highly skilled and compassionate team supporting the 6-week-old's journey to victory
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